How to Use Renko Charts for Drawing Support and ResistanceHow to Use Renko Charts for Drawing Support and Resistance Like a Pro
Most traders rely on candlestick charts to identify support and resistance zones—but if you’re still sleeping on Renko charts, you’re missing out on one of the cleanest ways to map market structure.
Renko charts filter out noise and only plot price movement, not time, giving you a stripped-down view of market momentum. That’s exactly what makes them powerful for spotting true support and resistance zones—without all the clutter.
Why Renko Charts Work for Support & Resistance
Support and resistance are areas where price historically reacts—either bouncing or reversing. On traditional candlestick charts, these zones can be hard to identify clearly because of wicks, time-based noise, and volatility.
Renko charts simplify that.
Because Renko bricks are only formed after a specific price move (like 20 pips or using ATR), the chart naturally filters out sideways chop and lets key levels stand out like neon signs.
How to Draw Support and Resistance with Renko
Here’s a quick step-by-step process:
Set Your Brick Size
Use an ATR-based Renko setting (ATR 14 is common), or set a fixed brick size that fits your trading style. For swing trading, slightly larger bricks will work best.
Look for Flat Zones
Identify areas where price stalls or flips direction multiple times. These flat “shelves” on the Renko chart often line up with strong historical support or resistance.
Mark the Bricks, & Sometimes The Wicks
With Renko, you’re not dealing with traditional candlestick wicks. So your levels are based on the tops and bottoms of the bricks, not erratic spikes.
Check for Confirmation
If a level held as resistance and later flips into support (or vice versa), that’s a key zone to mark. These “flip zones” are often hotbeds of institutional activity.
Bonus Tip: Combine with Price Action
Renko charts tell you where price is likely to react—but combining them with price action techniques (like engulfing candles, pin bars, or M/W formations on traditional charts) will give you a lethal edge.
Use Renko to mark the zone, then switch to candlesticks to fine-tune the entry. Best of both worlds.
If you’ve been struggling to draw clean support and resistance levels—or find yourself second-guessing your zones—Renko might be your solution. It’s not about fancy indicators or chart tricks; it’s about removing the noise so you can trade what really matters: structure and momentum.
Are you using Renko in your strategy? Drop a comment or shoot me a message—I want to hear how it’s working for you.
Technical Analysis
How to Analyze a Technical Chart: Practical Guide (BTC EXAMPLE)Hello, traders! ✍🏻
Understanding a chart isn't about predicting the future — it’s about recognizing what’s already happening. Whether you're evaluating a Bitcoin breakout or watching a new altcoin pump, technical chart analysis is one of the most powerful tools traders use to make sense of price movements. But how exactly do you read a technical analysis chart? What matters most — and what’s just noise?
Let’s break it down.
1. Look at the Big Picture: Price Trends and Structure
Before zooming in, zoom out. Start with the daily or weekly chart to identify the primary trend. Is the asset making higher highs and higher lows (an uptrend)? Or is it stuck in a sideways channel?
In Price Analysis, Market Structure Is Your Anchor:
Uptrend: Higher Highs and Higher Lows
Downtrend: Lower Highs and Lower Lows
Consolidation: Sideways Moves with Clear Support/Resistance
This high-level view helps you avoid common traps, like going long in a downtrend or shorting near long-term support.
2. Use Support and Resistance Like a Map
Support and resistance levels form the backbone of chart technical analysis. They show you where price reacted in the past — and likely will again.
Support: A Price Level Where Buyers Previously Stepped In.
Resistance: A Level Where Sellers Pushed Price Down.
The more times a level is tested, the more important it becomes. These zones can act as entry/exit points or as signals for potential breakouts or reversals.
3. Add Indicators — But Don’t Overload!
Indicators are helpful — if used right. The key is to complement price action, not replace it. Start Simple:
RSI (Relative Strength Index): Detect Overbought/Oversold Conditions
Volume: Confirms Strength Behind Price Moves
Moving Averages: Help Identify Trends and Dynamic Support/Resistance
Avoid piling on too many indicators. If your technical analysis chart looks like a control panel, you might be overcomplicating your decision-making.
4. Timeframes Matter — And So Does Context
Don’t mix signals across timeframes without context. A bullish setup on the 15-minute chart can collapse under a bearish daily trend.
Watch for Multi-Timeframe Analysis:
Weekly: Macro Trend
Daily: Trading Bias
4H/1H: Entry and Exit Planning
This layered approach helps you stay aligned with momentum while avoiding short-term noise.
Full Breakdown: Technical Chart Analysis of BTC/USDT (1W)
The BTC/USDT weekly chart presents a textbook example of how price evolves through well-defined market phases, structural levels, and momentum shifts. Let’s walk through each component in detail — not just what is shown on the chart, but also why it matters and how it’s typically identified in technical analysis.
We begin by examining the market structure. From mid-2020 to late 2021, Bitcoin followed a strong uptrend, consistently printing higher highs and higher lows. This kind of price action is characteristic of bullish expansion phases, where momentum builds gradually and pullbacks are shallow. Technically, an uptrend is confirmed when each new peak surpasses the previous, and support continues to form above former lows. In this case, the trend accelerated rapidly into the $60K–$70K zone before exhaustion set in.
The shift occurred in late 2021, as the market transitioned into a macro correction. From a structural standpoint, the pattern reversed — lower highs began to form, and key support levels were breached. This downtrend, lasting through 2022, is a typical bear phase in a market cycle, where distribution outweighs accumulation. Price made several failed attempts to reclaim previous highs, confirming bearish control and increased selling pressure.
What followed was an extended period of sideways movement between late 2022 and early 2023 — a classical accumulation zone. This phase is often overlooked but is critical in technical chart analysis. Here, price consolidated in a narrow range, with volatility contracting and RSI hovering near oversold territory. This kind of stabilization often signals that selling pressure has subsided and that larger players may be building positions ahead of a breakout. It is identified not just by price flattening, but by volume dropping and the absence of directional follow-through in either direction.
By mid-2023, a recovery structure began to emerge. Bitcoin started printing higher lows and eventually broke above prior resistance zones, indicating the formation of a new trend. As of early 2025, this trend appears to be unfolding, though price is once again facing historical resistance near its all-time highs — the $69K–$74K zone. This region has acted as a ceiling in both the 2021 and 2024 cycles, making it a well-established historical resistance level. In technical terms, the more times a level rejects price, the more significant it becomes, as market participants tend to place orders around such zones in anticipation of repeated behavior.
One of the most important structural zones on the chart lies around the $50K–$53K range. This mid-zone has acted as support during the 2021 bull run, flipped into resistance during the 2022 downtrend, and has once again returned to functioning as a support area in the current recovery. This phenomenon — where old support becomes new resistance and vice versa — is a classic concept in technical chart analysis, signaling that market memory is active and that this level is psychologically and technically significant.
At the lower end, the $30K level has held repeatedly across multiple market phases, establishing itself as a long-term support zone. Its durability, despite heavy corrections, suggests significant accumulation and investor interest at that level. This zone has marked major bottoms and remains a key threshold that, if broken, could signal a structural shift in sentiment.
Momentum analysis further confirms these phases. The Relative Strength Index (RSI), plotted beneath the price chart, hovered in overbought territory during both the 2021 and 2024 peaks, exceeding 70 and signaling potential exhaustion. In contrast, the RSI dipped into the 30s in 2022, aligning with the end of the downtrend and beginning of accumulation. These signals are not to be taken in isolation, but when combined with structure and volume, they add powerful confirmation to trend shifts. At the time of writing, RSI sits around 48 — neutral ground, indicating the market has not yet committed to a new directional move.
This layered approach — combining trend structure, support and resistance zones, and momentum indicators like RSI — is fundamental to technical chart analysis. It enables traders to navigate through market noise and identify phases of expansion, correction, and re-accumulation with greater clarity. Each of these elements, when aligned, increases the probability of high-conviction setups and helps avoid emotionally driven decisions in volatile environments.
Final Thought
Mastering technical chart analysis isn’t about memorizing patterns — it’s about training your eyes to read structure, sentiment, and context. And like any skill, the more charts you read, the sharper you get.
This is only an isolated analysis of the macro trend — a high-level look at Bitcoin’s price structure using weekly timeframes. In reality, technical analysis can be performed across multiple timeframes, combining far more indicators, chart patterns, and volume-based tools depending on your strategy and goals.
Platforms like TradingView offer a wide range of features for deeper technical insight — from advanced oscillators to custom scripting and community-driven indicators. The chart above serves as a historical case study, not a trading signal. It provides a reference point for how sentiment shifts can be visualized over time through structure and momentum.
If you’d like to explore other educational breakdowns or real-time analysis, feel free to check out more content on our TradingView page. This post is not financial advice, but 100% a technical perspective on past price action and market behavior.
💬 What’s your go-to indicator or setup when doing token price analysis?
This analysis is performed on historical data, does not relate to current market conditions, is for educational purposes only, and is not a trading recommendation.
How Momentum Divergence Reveals Hidden Market Strength and WeaknMost traders watch price action closely: candlesticks, moving averages, trendlines. But there’s a deeper, less obvious layer of information that often signals shifts in direction before price confirms it: momentum.
📌 Quick overview – what you'll learn:
What momentum divergence is (clearly explained)
How it helps predict potential trend shifts
Practical ways to spot and trade divergences
📈 Price vs Momentum: They're Not the Same!
Momentum doesn't simply track price direction. Instead, it measures the strength behind price movements.
Rising prices, falling momentum often signals upcoming bearish reversals.
Falling prices, rising momentum often hints at bullish reversals building beneath the surface.
These subtle divergences are powerful because they reveal hidden market shifts before everyone else notices them.
⚠️ How to Spot Momentum Divergence (Simple Steps):
Step-by-step:
- Find clear price swings:
Clearly defined highs/lows on your chart.
- Check momentum indicators (RSI, MACD, CCI, etc.):
Does the indicator agree or disagree with the price action?
- Spot divergence:
Bullish divergence: Price makes lower lows, indicator shows higher lows.
Bearish divergence: Price makes higher highs, indicator shows lower highs.
- Confirmation:
Always wait for price confirmation like a reversal candle or break of a trendline.
🔥 Why Momentum Divergence Works:
Divergence highlights hidden accumulation or distribution by smart money.
Helps you anticipate reversals before price confirms.
Filters out weak moves and helps you avoid fake breakouts.
📊 Real Example (XAUUSD – April 2025):
Recently in Gold:
Price was dropping steadily, reaching new lows.
Meanwhile, RSI showed clear higher lows – classic bullish divergence.
Result: Price exploded significantly shortly after momentum divergence appeared clearly.
🧠 Trading Tips to Remember:
Divergence signals are stronger near key support/resistance zones.
Use momentum divergence with your existing strategy for confirmation, not isolation.
Always define your risk clearly (set stops above/below recent highs/lows).
🚩 Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
Trading divergence without confirmation: always wait for the market to show its hand.
Ignoring the bigger picture: check higher timeframes for stronger signals.
Overtrading: not every divergence leads to a reversal; quality beats quantity.
🚀 Your Action Plan for Next Week:
Pick one momentum indicator and identify at least 3 divergences on your favorite assets.
Monitor how they play out.
Note down what works best in your trading journal.
💬 Question for you:
What’s your go-to momentum indicator when spotting divergence? RSI, MACD, CCI, or something else? Drop a comment below!
Happy trading!
TrendGo Team
My Most Used TradingView Hotkeys!Just wanted to highlight a few of my most-used TradingView hotkeys:
ALT + H: Horizontal line – Ideal for marking round numbers or mark tight support/resistance areas. For broader S&R zones, I often use the rectangle tool.
ALT + V: Vertical line – Rarely use it, it’s handy for highlighting specific dates below the chart.
ALT + T: Trendline – Provides quick access to one of the most essential tools for analyzing long-term stock movements.
[* ]ALT + I: Invert the chart – Probably the most interesting hotkey! If you find it challenging to take "SELL" setups or tend to prefer "BUY" ideas, flipping the chart can reveal a fresh perspective. If your bias remains unchanged after inverting, it may be a solid setup for you. This can help reduce psychological biases; sometimes, just viewing it from another angle makes all the difference.
ALT + S: Take a screenshot – An easy way to share your chart with friends or colleagues.
ALT + F: Fibonacci tool – I’m using it less often lately, but it’s still there when needed.
ALT + W: Add to watchlist – Quickly adds interesting charts to your watchlist.
ALT + A: Set an alert
SHIFT + CLICK: Measure tool – Instant access to measure distances or changes on the chart.
Hopefully, this helps save you a bit of time hunting for these tools. After all, time is money!
Regards,
Vaido
Foundation of Technical Trading: What Makes a Chart Tradable?The Foundation of Technical Trading
There is an abundance of information on price charts, technical methods, indicators, and various tools. However, the required first step is to understand basic market structure. Without this foundational knowledge, technical applications risk becoming inconsistent and disconnected from broader market behavior.
It is also important to question whether technical charts and tools are effective at all. What makes the market responsive to a trendline, a pattern, or an indicator? And why, at other times, do these tools seem entirely irrelevant? Is the market random? If certain events are predictable, under what conditions can such occurrences be expected?
Experiment: Random Charts
Here is an illustration of four charts; two showing real price data and two randomly generated. While some visual distortion gives away subtle differences, there are more refined methods to construct this experiment that makes telling the difference between real and random almost impossible.
All these charts show viable patterns and possible applications. When presented with these, even experienced people tend to construct narratives, whether or not structure is present. This raises a fundamental question; how can one distinguish real occurrences from coincidental formations on a chart? In case all movements are considered random, then this should indicate that applied methods perform no better than coincidence?
Bias and Distortion
It’s also important to comprehend the influence our perception. As humans we are wired to find patterns, even in random data, which can lead to various cognitive biases that distort our interpretation. For example, confirmation bias may lead us to focus only on evidence that supports our expectations, while apophenia causes us to see patterns where none exist. Similarly, hindsight bias can trick us into believing past patterns were obvious, which can develop overconfidence in future decisions. Awareness of these biases allows us to approach technical tools and charts with greater objectivity, with more focus on probabilistic methods and calculated risks.
Experiment: Random Levels
Perform the following experiment; open a chart and hide the price data. Then draw a few horizontal lines at random levels.
Then reveal the price again. You’ll notice that price can touch or reverse near these lines, as if they were relevant levels.
The same thing can happen with various indicators and tools. This experiment shows how easy it is to find confluence by chance. It also raises an important question, is your equipment and approach to the markets more reliable than random?
Market Disorder
Financial markets consist of various participants including banks, funds, traders and algorithmic systems. These participants operate with different objectives and across multiple timeframes resulting in a wide range of interpretations of market behavior. Trades are executed for various reasons such as speculation, hedging, rebalancing, liquidation or automation; directional intent could be unclear. For instance, the prior may serve to offset exposure, and portfolio rebalancing could require the execution of large orders without directional intent.
Technical and chart-based trading likely makes up a minor segment of the overall market; even within this subset, there is considerable variation in perception and interpretation. There could be differences in timeframe, reference points, pattern relevance and responses to similar information. The market is broader, more complex and less definitive than it appears. The point is that markets contain a high degree of structural disorder, which means most assumptions should be questioned and perceived as estimative.
The effect of buying and selling pressure on multiple timeframes sets the foundation for oscillation in price movements, rather than linear and monotonic movements. This pattern of rising and falling in a series of waves sets the points for where the current structure transitions between balance and imbalance. An overall equilibrium between buying and selling pressure results in consolidative price movement, whereas dominance leads to trending or progressive movement.
Volatility Distribution
To answer the main question: What differentiates real market behavior and charts from random data, and ultimately makes it tradable, is the distribution of volatility. This forms the basis for the phenomenon of volatility clustering, where periods of high volatility tend to follow high volatility, and low volatility follows low volatility. It is rare for the market to shift into a volatile state and then immediately revert to inactivity without some degree of persistence. Research supports the presence of this volatility persistence, though with the important caveat that it does not imply directional intent.
Volatility Cycles
These phases tend to occur in alternation, known as volatility cycles, which set the foundation for tradable price structures. This sequence consists of a contractive phase, marked by compression in price movements, followed by an expansive phase, characterized by increased volatility and directional movement. The alternation reflects shifts in underlying buying and selling pressure. This behavior offers a practical approach to interpret market behavior. A more detailed explanation of the concept could be explored in a future post.
Conclusion
While the idea of profitability through technical trading is often questioned, it remains a viable approach when based on sound principles. The edges available to the average trader are smaller and less frequent than commonly presumed. The concepts of volatility and the ability to locate areas of imbalance forms the basis for identifying conditions where market behavior becomes less random and more structured. This sets the foundation for developing technical edges.
The content in this post is adapted from the book The Art of Technical Trading for educational purposes.
Real Reason Most Strategies Fail–“Overfitting” Explained Simply!Hello Traders!
Have you ever seen a strategy work amazingly on historical charts, but fail badly in live markets? You’re not alone. One of the biggest reasons this happens is due to something called Overfitting . Today, let’s understand this concept in the simplest way — so you can avoid falling into this trap and build smarter strategies.
What is Overfitting in Trading?
Overfitting means your strategy is too perfect for past data:
It works great on old charts, but only because it was made to match that exact data.
It fails in real-time because the market changes:
The strategy doesn’t adapt well to new price behavior — it’s not flexible.
Example:
A strategy with 10 indicators giving perfect backtest results may be too specific and only fits that period — not future ones.
Signs Your Strategy Might Be Overfitted
Too many rules or filters:
If your strategy has too many conditions just to improve past results, that’s a red flag.
Works only on one stock or timeframe:
A good strategy should work on different stocks and market conditions.
Great backtest, bad live performance:
If your real trades don’t match the backtest, it might be too customized to the past.
How to Avoid Overfitting in Trading
Keep it simple:
Use fewer indicators and rules. Focus on clean price action and proven setups.
Test on different stocks/timeframes:
See if your setup works across Nifty, Bank Nifty, stocks, or different timeframes.
Use forward testing:
Try the strategy on live charts (paper trade) before putting real money into it.
Rahul’s Tip
A perfect backtest doesn’t mean a perfect future. Build your strategy to be reliable — not just impressive on history.
Conclusion
Overfitting is like memorizing old exam answers and failing the new paper. Don’t build strategies that only look good on past data. Make them strong, simple, and adaptable to real market conditions.
Have you faced this issue before? Let’s discuss in the comments and help each other improve!
What Is Momentum – And Why It’s Not Just a Trend IndicatorMost traders follow price — candles, trendlines, support/resistance. But there’s another layer that often tells the story before the price moves: momentum.
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🔍 In this post, you’ll learn:
• What momentum really measures
• Why it’s not the same as price direction
• How momentum can signal a shift before the chart confirms it
• Why combining momentum with structure improves timing
⸻
📈 Momentum ≠ Direction
Price can be rising while momentum is fading. That’s often a clue of an upcoming slowdown or reversal — long before the price turns. Similarly, price can be flat, while momentum builds in one direction. That’s tension… and tension leads to moves.
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🔥 Why Momentum Matters:
• It reveals intensity, not just direction
• It can act as a leading indicator — not lagging
• Momentum divergences often hint at hidden accumulation or distribution
• Tracking it helps you avoid late entries or false breakouts
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🔧 Takeaway for traders:
If you’re only watching price, you’re only seeing half the picture.
Momentum shows what’s driving the move, and when that drive starts weakening.
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💬 What’s your favorite momentum indicator? RSI, %R, CCI, or something else?
$100, $1,000, $100,000 — When Numbers Become Turning PointsHey! Have you ever wondered why 100 feels... special? 🤔
Round numbers are like hidden magnets in the market. 100. 500. 1,000. They feel complete. They stand out. They grab our attention and make us pause. In financial markets, these are the levels where price often slows down, stalls, or makes a surprising turn.
I’ll admit, once I confused the market with real life. I hoped a round number would cause a reversal in any situation. Like when I stepped on the scale and saw a clean 100 staring back at me, a level often known as strong resistance. I waited for a bounce, a sudden reversal... but nothing. The market reacts. My body? Not so much. 🤷♂️
The market reacts. But why? What makes these numbers so powerful? The answer lies in our minds, in market dynamics, and in our human tendency to crave simplicity.
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Psychology: Why our brain loves round numbers
The human mind is designed to create structure. Round numbers are like lighthouses in the chaos — simple, memorable, and logical. If someone asks how much your sofa cost, you’re more likely to say "a grand" than "963.40 dollars." That’s normal. It’s your brain seeking clarity with minimal effort.
In financial markets, round numbers become key reference points. Traders, investors, even algorithms gravitate toward them. If enough people believe 100 is important, they start acting around that level — buying, selling, waiting. That belief becomes reality, whether it's rational or not. We anchor decisions to familiar numbers because they feel safe, clean, and "right."
Walmart (WMT) and the $100 mark
Round numbers also carry emotional weight. 100 feels like a milestone, a finish line. It’s not just a number, it’s both an ending and a beginning.
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Round numbers in the market: Resistance and support
Round number as a resistance
Imagine a stock climbing steadily: 85, 92, 98... and then it hits 100. Suddenly, it stalls. Why? Investors who bought earlier see 100 as a "perfect" profit point. "A hundred bucks. Time to sell." Many pre-set sell orders are already waiting. Most people don’t place orders at $96.73. They aim for 100. A strong and symbolic.
At the same time, speculators and short sellers may step in, viewing 100 as too high. This creates pressure, slowing the rally or pushing the price back down.
If a stock begins its journey at, say, $35, the next key round levels for me are: 50, 100, 150, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000…
Slide from my training materials
These levels have proven themselves again and again — often causing sideways movement or corrections. When I recently reviewed the entire S&P 500 list, for example $200 showed up consistently as a resistance point.
It’s pure psychology. Round numbers feel "high" — and it's often the perfect moment to lock in profits and reallocate capital. Bitcoin at $100,000. Netflix at $1,000. Tesla at $500. Walmart at $100. Palantir at $100. These are just a few recent examples.
Round number support: A lifeline for buyers
The same logic works in reverse. When price falls through 130, 115, 105... and lands near 100, buyers often step in. "100 looks like a good entry," they say. It feels like solid ground after a drop. We love comeback stories. Phoenix moments. Underdogs rising. Buy orders stack up and the price drop pauses.
Some examples:
Meta Platforms (META)
Amazon.com (AMZN) — $100 acted as resistance for years, then became support after a breakout
Tesla (TSLA)
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Why round numbers work for both buyers and sellers
Buyers and the illusion of a bargain
If a stock falls from 137 to 110 and approaches 100, buyers feel like it’s hit bottom. Psychologically, 100 feels cheap and safe. Even if the company’s fundamentals haven’t changed, 100 just "feels right." It’s like seeing a price tag of $9.99 — our brain rounds it down and feels like we got an epic deal.
Sellers and the "perfect" exit
When a stock rises from 180 to 195 and nears 200, many sellers place orders right at 200. "That’s a nice round number, I’ll exit there." There’s emotional satisfaction. The gain feels cleaner, more meaningful, when it ends on a round note.
To be fair, I always suggest not waiting for an exact level like 200. If your stock moved through 145 > 165 > 185, don’t expect perfection. Leave room. A $190 target zone makes more sense. Often, greed kills profit before it can be realized. Don’t squeeze the lemon dry.
Example: My Tesla analysis on TradingView with a $500 target — TESLA: Money On Your Screen 2.0 | Lock in Fully…
Before & After: As you see there, the zone is important, not the exact number.
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Round numbers in breakout trades
When price reaches a round number, the market often enters a kind of standoff. Buyers and sellers hesitate. The price moves sideways, say between 90 and 110. Psychologically, it’s a zone of indecision. The number is too important to ignore, but the direction isn’t clear until news or momentum pushes it.
When the direction is up and the market breaks above a key level, round numbers work brilliantly for breakout trades or strength-based entries.
Slide from my training materials
People are willing to pay more once they see the price break through a familiar barrier. FOMO kicks in. Those who sold earlier feel regret and jump back in. And just like that, momentum builds again — until the next round-number milestone.
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) — every round number so far has caused mild corrections or sideways action. I’d think $500 won’t be any different.
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Conclusion: Simplicity rules the market
Round numbers aren’t magic. They work because we, the people, make the market. We love simplicity, patterns, and emotional anchors. These price levels are where the market breathes, pauses, thinks, and decides. When you learn to recognize them, you gain an edge — not because the numbers do something, but because crowds do.
A round number alone is never a reason to act.
If a stock drops to 100, it doesn’t mean it’s time to buy. No single number works in isolation. You need a strategy — a set of supporting criteria that together increase the odds. Round numbers are powerful psychological levels, but the real advantage appears when they align with structure and signals.
Keep round numbers on your radar. They’re the market’s psychological mirror, and just like us, the market loves beautiful numbers.
If this article made you see price behavior differently, or gave you something to think about, feel free to share it.
🙌 So, that's it! A brief overview and hopefully, you found this informative. If this article made you see price behavior differently, or gave you something to think about, feel free to share it & leave a comment with your thoughts!
Before you leave - Like & Boost if you find this useful! 🚀
Trade smart,
Vaido
3 Best Trading Opportunities to Maximize Profit Potential
Hey traders,
In the today's article, we will discuss 3 types of incredibly accurate setups that you can apply for trading financial markets.
1. Trend Line Breakout and Retest
The first setup is a classic trend line breakout.
Please, note that such a setup will be accurate if the trend line is based on at least 3 consequent bullish or bearish moves.
If the market bounces from a trend line, it is a vertical support.
If the market drops from a trend line, it is a vertical resistance.
The breakout of the trend line - vertical support is a candle close below that. After a breakout, it turns into a safe point to sell the market from.
The breakout of the trend line - vertical resistance is a candle close above that. After a breakout, it turns into a safe point to buy the market from.
Take a look at the example. On GBPJPY, the market was growing steadily, respecting a rising trend line that was a vertical support.
A candle close below that confirmed its bearish violation.
It turned into a vertical resistance .
Its retest was a perfect point to sell the market from.
2. Horizontal Structure Breakout and Retest
The second setup is a breakout of a horizontal key level.
The breakout of a horizontal support and a candle close below that is a strong bearish signal. After a breakout, a support turns into a resistance.
Its retest is a safe point to sell the market from.
The breakout of a horizontal resistance and a candle close above that is a strong bullish signal. After a breakout, a resistance turns into a support.
Its retest if a safe point to buy the market from.
Here is the example. WTI Crude Oil broke a key daily structure resistance. A candle close above confirmed the violation.
After a breakout, the broken resistance turned into a support.
Its test was a perfect point to buy the market from.
3. Buying / Selling the Market After Pullbacks
The third option is to trade the market after pullbacks.
However, remember that the market should be strictly in a trend .
In a bullish trend, the market corrects itself after it sets new higher highs. The higher lows usually respect the rising trend lines.
Buying the market from such a trend line, you open a safe trend-following trade.
In a bearish trend, after the price sets lower lows, the correctional movements initiate. The lower highs quite often respect the falling trend lines.
Selling the market from such a trend line, you open a safe trend-following trade.
On the chart above, we can see EURAUD pair trading in a bullish trend.
After the price sets new highs, it retraces to a rising trend line.
Once the trend line is reached, trend-following movements initiate.
What I like about these 3 setups is the fact that they work on every market and on every time frame. So no matter what you trade and what is your trading style, you can apply them for making nice profits.
❤️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.
How to Draw Trendlines Like a Pro – Rulers Out, Rules In!Hi everyone!
If you don’t have any rules for drawing a trendline, then this is by far the most subjective technical analysis criterion of all. So, grab your ruler, and let’s dive in! ;)
Without clear guidelines, you can draw it however you want, shaping the narrative to fit your bias. This makes it the perfect tool to talk yourself into a trade or justify staying in a bad one—there’s always a new “support” coming…
If you don't have rules, you can always find some dots to connect, making it look "perfect" for you.
In this post, I'll discuss buying opportunities using trendlines, share key rules for drawing them correctly, and highlight common mistakes to avoid - all with a focus on mid- and long-term investment opportunities.
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The Basics: How to Draw a Trendline
The trendline is a highly effective tool for mid- and long-term investors to find an optimal buying zone for their chosen asset. I always take a full view of the chart, analyzing its entire history to find the longest trendline available. The longer the trendline, the stronger it is!
To draw a trendline, we simply connect two points and wait for the third touch to confirm it. Easy, right?
The strongest trendline comes from points that are easily recognizable—you should spot them in a split second.
Maximum view, if possible Monthly chart, connect the dots and wait for a third one.
For me, the third and fourth touches are the most reliable.
If you have to look deeply to find where to draw a trendline, then it's already a first sign that it’s not strong! The best ones appear instantly.
---------------------------
Two Myths About Trendlines
Myth #1: "You cannot draw a trendline without three touching points."
Don’t even remember from where I heard that kind of bs but as you see in the images above, yeah I can. If I have a correct lineup, the third touch is the strongest.
Myth #2: "The more touches, the stronger the trendline."
Yes, a trend appears stronger with more touches, but each additional touch increases the odds of a break or trend change. To buy from, let’s say, the sixth touch, there must be strong confluence factors, and fundamentals should support the investment.
“The trend is your friend, until the end when it bends.” — Ed Seykota
Sure, I’ve had great trades from the fifth or seventh touch, but as said, the area has to be strong, combining multiple criteria. Think of a trendline like 3-5 cm thick ice on a lake. You can’t break it with one hit, or the second, or the third. But after the fourth or fifth, it starts to crack, and by the sixth—boom!
From my psychological perspective, the more touches, the weaker the trendline becomes.
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Rule #1: Wick to Wick or Body to Body
If there aren't any anomalies, the trendline should always be drawn from wick to wick (image below) or body to body.
Here was the trendline draw from wick to wick
I mostly use body-to-body when there is a lot of noise on the chart and many large wicks that don’t show the real price behavior—whether from a panic sell-off or other unexpected market moves.
Candlestick chart, the trendline drawn from body-to-body
Tip! Body-to-body means drawing trendlines from closing prices to remove unnecessary noise from the chart. To make the chart even clearer, I often use a line chart (it tracks closing prices), which filters out the noise and gives a cleaner view of the price action.
The same chart as above using line chart.
Mistake to avoid: If you start from the wick but the second point is from the body, it's wrong. This can lead to misleading breakout trades or confusing rejection trades.
If there are no significant large wicks, go from wicks.
If a chart offers a lot of huge panic-sell wicks, use bodies instead to get a cleaner setup.
Quite often, I use a hybrid version as well. We are investors, not traders. We need a price zone, not an exact price!
In these cases, I combine wicks and closing prices to find the optimal trendline, which stays somewhere between them.
Light-blue is the zone
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Rule #2: Higher Highs Strengthen the Trendline
A trendline is more reliable if the price makes a new higher high (HH) after the previous rejection, and before it approaches a trendline.
The third and fourth touch came from higher high (HH) levels
This confirms that the recent trend is strong. If it all lines up, we can step in!
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Rule #3: Even Timing Between Touches
A trendline rejection works best when the timing between touches is symmetrical. They don’t have to be perfectly equal but they also shouldn’t be wildly different - one touch being very small and another very large can weaken the trendline’s reliability.
A good combinations is when the price comes from higher high levels, the next touch has an equal or fairly similar distance between previous ones.
Yeah, there are quite a lot of touches, but you get the point; market symmetry plays an important role in making decisions.
Warning: If the next touch comes too soon, especially from a lower high (LH) levels, which signals that momentum may be fading, and the touch happens at an uneven distance, it weakens the trendline’s reliability. So, watch out for that.
Two alerts: uneven length between touches & comes from lower highs.
Next red alert: When there are huge uneven gaps between touches, as shown in the picture below.
The first and second touch compared to the second and third touch are out of balance, weakening the trendline's reliability.
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Trendline Summary: Key Criteria for Mid- to Long-Term Analysis
Open the maximum chart view – analyze all available data for the asset.
The higher the timeframe, the stronger the trendline.
A trendline needs two clean and clear points to be drawn.
The highest probability rejection happens at the third and fourth touch.
If there are large wicks or panic sell-offs, use closing prices (body-to-body).
Remove noise and wicks by using a line chart for a clearer view.
A trendline touch is strongest when the price approaches from a higher high (HH).
A trendline touch is strongest when the distance between touches is symmetrical.
A slight flex in the trendline is ideal; it should be between 20 to 35 degrees, not too steep in its climb. ;)
These are the main criteria for a trendline that I use when analyzing stocks or any asset from a mid-to long-term perspective.
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Trendlines Alone Are Not Enough
Now, here’s the interesting part. Even if a trendline looks perfect and meets all criteria, I still won’t rush to share an analysis. Why? Because a trendline alone isn’t enough.
A trendline is just one piece of the puzzle. We need multiple confluence factors in a single price zone to make the setup truly strong and reliable. Usually, I need at least 3-7 criteria to align before making a move or recommendation.
So, that's it! A brief overview and hopefully, you found this informative. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts!
Before you leave - Like & Boost if you find this useful! 🚀
Trade smart,
Vaido
TradeCityPro Academy | Dow Theory Part 3👋 Welcome to TradeCityPro Channel!
Welcome to the Educational Content Section of Our Channel Technical Analysis Training
We aim to produce educational content in playlist format that will teach you technical analysis from A to Z. We will cover topics such as risk and capital management, Dow Theory, support and resistance, trends, market cycles, and more. These lessons are based on our experiences and the book The Handbook of Technical Analysis.
🎨 What is Technical Analysis?
Technical Analysis (TA) is a method used to predict price movements in financial markets by analyzing past data, especially price and trading volume. This approach is based on the idea that historical price patterns tend to repeat and can help traders identify profitable opportunities.
🔹 Why is Technical Analysis Important?
Technical analysis helps traders and investors predict future price movements based on past price action. Its importance comes from several key benefits:
Faster Decision-Making: No need to analyze financial reports or complex news—just focus on price patterns and trading volume.
Better Risk Management: Tools like support & resistance, indicators, and chart patterns help traders find the best entry and exit points.
Applicable to All Markets: Technical analysis can be used in Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and even real estate.
In the previous session, we explained Principles 3 and 4 of the Dow Theory. Be sure to review and study them, and if you have any questions, let us know in the comments.
📑 Principles of Dow Theory
1 - The Averages Discount Everything (Not applicable to crypto)
2 - The Market Has Three Trends
3 - Trends Have Three Phases
4 - Trend Continues Until a Reversal is Confirmed
5 - The Averages Must Confirm Each Other
6 - Volume Confirms the Trend
📈 Principle 5: Trends Persist Until a Clear Reversal Signal Appears
Full Explanation:
Dow Theory says that once a market picks a direction—like going up (bullish trend) or down (bearish trend)—it keeps moving that way until something big and obvious says, “Nope, we’re turning around!” Think of it like momentum: the market’s lazy and sticks to its path unless it gets a solid reason to switch.
What’s a Trend? It’s the market’s overall direction. Uptrend means higher highs and higher lows (prices keep climbing). Downtrend means lower highs and lower lows (prices keep dropping). Sideways means it’s stuck in a range.
What’s a Reversal Signal? In an uptrend, if prices stop making new highs and start forming lower highs and lows, plus break a key level (like support), that’s a sign the trend’s flipping. In a downtrend, it’s the opposite—higher highs and lows plus breaking resistance mean it’s turning up.
Why Does This Happen? Markets reflect crowd behavior. When everyone’s buying or selling, the trend builds steam and doesn’t stop until the crowd’s mood shifts big-time.
Key Point: Small dips or spikes don’t count. A little drop in an uptrend? Normal. You need a clear pattern or a big break to call it a reversal.
Practical Use: Traders use this to avoid panic-selling on tiny moves and wait for strong signals before jumping ship.
Simple Example:
It’s like riding a bike downhill—you keep rolling fast until you hit a wall or slam the brakes.
📊 Principle 6: Trends Must Be Confirmed by Volume
Full Explanation:
This principle says a trend isn’t legit unless trading volume backs it up. Volume is how much is being bought or sold. If the trend’s real, volume should match it—high volume means lots of people are in on it, low volume means it might be fake or weak.
Uptrend: Prices rising with growing volume? That’s a strong bull run—buyers are all in. Prices up but volume’s tiny? Could be a fluke or manipulation.
Downtrend: Prices falling with big volume? Sellers mean business—bear trend’s solid. Falling prices with low volume? Might just be a quick dip, not a real crash.
How Volume Confirms: It’s like a lie detector for trends. Big volume says, “This move’s for real!” Low volume says, “Eh, don’t trust it yet.”
Extra Detail: In an uptrend, if volume starts dropping, it’s a warning—buyers might be losing steam. In a downtrend, low volume could mean sellers are running out of ammo, hinting at a bounce.
Why It Matters? Dow believed volume shows the market’s true energy. No crowd, no power—simple as that.
Practical Use: Traders check tools like OBV (On-Balance Volume) or volume bars. If a stock jumps but volume’s dead, they might skip it it’s a trap.
Simple Example:
It’s like a party if tons of people show up dancing, it’s a real vibe. If just two guys are there, it’s probably lame.
🎉 Conclusion
We’ve reached the end of today’s educational segment! We’ll start by explaining all of Dow Theory’s principles, and in the future, we’ll move on to chart analysis and the strategy I personally use for trading with Dow Theory. So, make sure you fully grasp these concepts first so we can progress together in this learning journey!
💡 Final Thoughts for Today
This is the end of this part, and I must say we have a long journey ahead. We will continually strive to produce better content every day, steering clear of sensationalized content that promises unrealistic profits, and instead, focusing on the proper learning path of technical analysis.
⚠️ Please remember that these lessons represent our personal view of the market and should not be considered financial advice for investment.
Soybean Futures Surge: ZS, ZL, and ZM Align for a Bullish MoveI. Introduction
Soybean futures are showing a potentially strong upcoming bullish momentum, with ZS (Soybean Futures), ZL (Soybean Oil Futures), and ZM (Soybean Meal Futures) aligning in favor of an upward move. The recent introduction of Micro Ag Futures by CME Group has further enhanced trading opportunities by allowing traders to manage risk more effectively while engaging with longer-term setups such as weekly timeframes.
Currently, all three soybean-related markets are displaying bullish candlestick patterns, accompanied by strengthening demand indicators. With RSI confirming upward momentum without entering overbought territory, traders are eyeing potential opportunities. Among the three, ZM appears to be the one which will potentially provide the greatest strength, showing resilience in price action and a favorable technical setup for a high reward-to-risk trade.
II. Technical Analysis of Soybean Markets
A closer look at the price action in ZS, ZL, and ZM reveals a confluence of bullish factors:
o Candlestick Patterns:
All three markets have printed bullish weekly candlestick formations, signaling increased buying interest.
o RSI Trends:
RSI is in an uptrend across all three contracts, reinforcing the bullish outlook.
Importantly, none of them are currently in overbought conditions, suggesting further upside potential.
o Volume Considerations:
Higher volume on up moves and decreasing volume on down-moves adds credibility to the bullish bias.
III. Comparative Price Action Analysis
While all three soybean-related markets are trending higher, their relative strength varies. By comparing recent weekly price action:
o ZM (Soybean Meal Futures) stands out as the one which will potentially become the strongest performer.
Last week, ZM closed above its prior weekly open, marking a +1.40% weekly gain.
RSI is not only trending higher but is also above its average, a sign of potential continued strength.
o ZS and ZL confirm bullishness but lag slightly in relative strength when compared to ZM.
This comparative analysis suggests that while all three markets are bullish, ZM presents the most compelling trade setup in terms of technical confirmation and momentum.
IV. Trade Setup & Forward-Looking Trade Idea
Given the strong technical signals, the trade idea focuses on ZM (Soybean Meal Futures) as the primary candidate.
Proposed Trade Plan:
Direction: Long (Buy)
Entry: Buy above last week’s high at 307.6
Target: UFO resistance at 352.0
Stop Loss: Below entry at approximately 292.8 (for a 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio)
Reward-to-Risk Ratio: 3:1
Additionally, with the introduction of Micro Ag Futures, traders can now fine-tune position sizing, making it easier to manage risk effectively on longer-term charts like the weekly timeframe. Given the novelty of such micro contracts, here is a CME resource that could be useful to understand their characteristics such as contracts specs .
V. Risk Management & Trade Discipline
Executing a trade plan is just one part of the equation—risk management is equally critical, especially when trading larger timeframes like the weekly chart. Here are key considerations for managing risk effectively:
1. Importance of Precise Entry and Exit Levels
Entering above last week’s high (307.6) ensures confirmation of bullish momentum before taking a position.
The target at 352.0 (UFO resistance) provides a well-defined profit objective, avoiding speculation.
A stop-loss at 292.8 is strategically placed to maintain a 3:1 reward-to-risk ratio, ensuring that potential losses remain controlled.
2. The Role of Stop Loss Orders & Hedging
A stop-loss prevents excessive drawdowns in case the market moves against the position.
Traders can also hedge using Micro Ag Futures to offset exposure while maintaining a bullish bias on the broader trend.
3. Avoiding Undefined Risk Exposure
The Micro Ag Futures contracts enable traders to scale into or out of positions without significantly increasing risk.
Position sizing should be adjusted based on account risk tolerance, ensuring no single trade overly impacts capital.
4. Adjusting for Market Volatility
Monitoring volatility using ATR (Average True Range) or other risk-adjusted indicators helps in adjusting stop-loss placement.
If volatility increases, a wider stop may be needed, but it should still align with a strong reward-to-risk structure.
Proper risk management ensures that trades are executed with discipline, preventing emotional decision-making and maximizing long-term trading consistency.
VI. Conclusion & Disclaimers
Soybean futures are showing bullishness, with ZS, ZL, and ZM aligning in favor of further upside. However, among them, ZM (Soybean Meal Futures) potentially exhibits the most reliable momentum, making it the prime candidate for a high-probability trade setup.
With bullish candlestick patterns, RSI trends confirming momentum, and volume supporting the move, traders have an opportunity to capitalize on this momentum while managing risk effectively using Micro Ag Futures.
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.
How to Find Best Supply and Demand Zones/Areas in Forex & Gold
In this article, I will show you the strongest supply and demand zones.
These zones are called confluence zones.
I will teach you to identify these areas properly and explain how to apply it in Forex and Gold trading.
Let's start with a short but important theory.
In technical analysis, there are 2 types of supports and resistances.
Horizontal structures are supports and resistance that are based on horizontal key levels.
Vertical structures are supports and resistance that are based on trend lines.
A confluence supply or demand zone, will be the area of the intersection between a horizontal and vertical structures.
Look at GBPJPY pair. I underlined a significant horizontal support and a rising trend line - a vertical support.
We see a clear crossing of both structures.
The trend line and a horizontal support will compose a narrow, contracting area. It will be a confluence demand zone.
Within, with a high probability, a high volume of buying orders will concentrate, and a strong bullish movement will initiate after its test.
Above is one more example of a powerful demand zone.
It was spotted on a Gold chart.
Now let's discuss the supply zone.
There are 2 strong structures on GBPNZD: a vertical resistance - a falling trend line and a horizontal resistance.
These 2 resistances will constitute a confluence supply zone.
That is a powerful resistance cluster that will concentrate the selling orders. Chances will be high to see a strong bearish movement from that.
There is a strong supply zone on CHFJPY that is based on the intersection of a wide horizontal resistance and a falling trend line.
Supply and demand zones that we discussed are very significant. Very often, strong bullish and bearish waves will initiate from these clusters.
Your ability to recognize these zones will help you to make accurate predictions and identify a safe point to open a trading position from
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
TradeCityPro Academy | Dow Theory Part 1👋 Welcome to TradeCityPro Channel!
Welcome to the Educational Content Section of Our Channel Technical Analysis Training
We aim to produce educational content in playlist format that will teach you technical analysis from A to Z. We will cover topics such as risk and capital management, Dow Theory, support and resistance, trends, market cycles, and more. These lessons are based on our experiences and the book The Handbook of Technical Analysis
🎨 What is Technical Analysis?
Technical Analysis (TA) is a method used to predict price movements in financial markets by analyzing past data, especially price and trading volume. This approach is based on the idea that historical price patterns tend to repeat and can help traders identify profitable opportunities.
🔹 Why is Technical Analysis Important?
Technical analysis helps traders and investors predict future price movements based on past price action. Its importance comes from several key benefits:
Faster Decision-Making: No need to analyze financial reports or complex news—just focus on price patterns and trading volume.
Better Risk Management: Tools like support & resistance, indicators, and chart patterns help traders find the best entry and exit points.
Applicable to All Markets: Technical analysis can be used in Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and even real estate.
Understanding Market Psychology: Charts reveal investor emotions like fear and greed, allowing traders to react accordingly.
📌 Real-Life Example
Imagine you own a mobile phone shop and want to predict whether phone prices will go up or down in the next few months.
🔹 Fundamental Analysis Approach
You follow the news and see that the USD exchange rate is rising, and phone manufacturers plan to increase prices. Based on this, you predict that phone prices will go up soon.
🔹 Technical Analysis Approach
You analyze past price trends and notice that every year, phone prices tend to increase before the New Year. This pattern has repeated for several years, so you assume it will happen again. As a result, you buy stock before the price hike and make a profit.
This example shows that technical analysis allows you to make decisions based on past market behavior without relying on external news.
📊 I ntroduction to Dow Theory
Today, for the first part of our lessons, we will begin with Dow Theory, which was developed by American journalist Charles Dow. Many traders still use this method for analysis and trading.
Dow Theory is one of the fundamental concepts in technical analysis, developed by Charles Dow, the founder of The Wall Street Journal and co-founder of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). This theory provides a structured approach to understanding market trends and price movements and is still widely used today by traders and analysts.
Dow Theory consists of six core principles, which we will explain in detail:
📑 Principles of Dow Theory
1 - The Averages Discount Everything (Not applicable to crypto)
2 - The Market Has Three Trends
3 - Trends Have Three Phases
4 - Trend Continues Until a Reversal is Confirmed
5 - The Averages Must Confirm Each Other
6 - Volume Confirms the Trend
💵 Principle 1: Price is All You Need
According to this principle, all available information is already reflected in asset prices. This includes economic data, political events, earnings reports, trader expectations, and even market sentiment.
If a company releases strong earnings, its stock price might not rise significantly because investors had already anticipated this and bought in advance.
❗ Why This Is Important
Technical analysts focus on price movements rather than external news since all information is already factored into the market.
Instead of reacting to news, traders analyze historical price trends to predict future price movements.
📊 Principle 2: The Market Has Three Types of Trends
Dow Theory states that markets move in three types of trends, each occurring over different timeframes:
1 - Primary Trend: This is the main movement of the market, dictating the long-term direction, and can last for years.
2 - Secondary Trends: These are corrective movements that run opposite to the primary trend. For instance, if the primary trend is bullish, the corrective trend will be bearish. These trends can last from weeks to months.
3- Minor Trends: These are the daily price fluctuations in the asset. Although minor trends can last for weeks, their direction will always align with the primary trend, even if they contradict the secondary trend.
💡 Final Thoughts for Today
This is the end of this part, and I must say we have a long journey ahead. We will continually strive to produce better content every day, steering clear of sensationalized content that promises unrealistic profits, and instead, focusing on the proper learning path of technical analysis.
⚠️ Please remember that these lessons represent our personal view of the market and should not be considered financial advice for investment.
Chart Patterns That Keep Showing Up (Are Traders Predictable?)In the grand theater of financial markets, traders often fancy themselves as rational actors, making decisions based on cold, hard data. Yet, time and again, their collective behavior etches familiar patterns onto price charts, as if choreographed by an unseen hand (the Invisible Hand?)
All across the world economy , markets trade in patterns. The trick is to spot those patterns before they unfold.
These recurring formations, known as chart patterns, are a testament to the predictability of human psychology in trading. Let's rediscover some of these enduring patterns, exploring why they persist and how you can leverage them.
🚿 The Head and Shoulders: More Than a Shampoo Brand
Imagine a market trend as a partygoer who's had one too many. Initially, they're lively (the left shoulder), then they reach peak status of euphoria (the head), but eventually, they slump with one last “let’s go party people” (the right shoulder). This sequence forms the Head and Shoulders pattern, signaling a trend reversal from bullish to bearish.
Traders spot this pattern by identifying three peaks: a central, higher peak flanked by two lower, similar-sized peaks on each side. The neckline, drawn by connecting the lows between these peaks, becomes the critical support level. A break below this line suggests the party's over, and it's time to exit or short the trading instrument.
Conversely, the Inverse Head and Shoulders indicates a reversal from bearish to bullish, resembling a person doing a headstand—a strong sign the market's ready to flip.
Ready to hunt down the charts for some Head and Shoulders? Try out the Head and Shoulders drawing tool .
⛰️ Double Tops and Bottoms: Déjà Vu in Trading
Ever experience déjà vu? The market does too, in the form of Double Tops and Bottoms. A Double Top resembles the letter "M," where the price hits a high, retreats, and then tests that high again before declining. It's the market's way of saying, "I've been here before, and I'm not going higher."
The Double Bottom, shaped like a "W," occurs when the price drops to a low, rebounds, and then retests that low before rising. It's akin to the market finding a sturdy trampoline at support levels, ready to bounce back.
These patterns reflect traders' reluctance to push prices beyond established highs or lows, leading to reversals.
⚠️ Triangles: The Market's Waiting Game
When traders are indecisive, prices often consolidate, forming Triangle patterns. These come in three flavors:
Ascending Triangle : Characterized by a flat upper resistance line and a rising lower support line. Buyers are gaining strength, repeatedly pushing prices up to a resistance level. A breakout above this resistance suggests bullish momentum.
Descending Triangle : Features a flat lower support line and a descending upper resistance line. Sellers are in control, and a break below support signals bearish continuation.
Symmetrical Triangle : Both support and resistance lines converge, indicating a standoff between buyers and sellers. The eventual breakout can go either way, and traders watch closely for directional cues.
Triangles epitomize the market's pause before a storm, as participants gather conviction for the next move.
Feel like looking for some triangles on charts? Jump straight to our easy-to-use Triangle Pattern drawing tool .
🏁 Flags and Pennants: The Market Takes a Breather
After a strong price movement, the market often needs a breather, leading to Flags and Pennants. These are short-term continuation patterns that indicate a brief consolidation before the trend resumes.
Flag : Resembles a parallelogram sloping against the prevailing trend. It's like the market catching its breath before sprinting again.
Pennant : Looks like a small symmetrical triangle that forms after a sharp move. Think of it as the market pitching a tent before continuing its journey.
Recognizing these patterns helps traders position themselves for the next leg of the trend.
🧠 The Psychology Behind Pattern Persistence
Why do these patterns keep appearing? The answer lies in human psychology. Traders, despite access to vast information, are influenced by emotions like fear and greed. This collective sentiment manifests in predictable ways, creating patterns on charts.
For instance, the Head and Shoulders pattern emerges because traders, after pushing prices to a peak, become cautious. Early sellers take profits, causing a dip. A second rally (the head) attracts more participants, but if it fails to sustain, confidence wanes, leading to a sell-off. The final attempt (right shoulder) lacks conviction, and once support breaks, the downtrend ensues.
Understanding the emotional drivers behind these patterns allows traders to anticipate moves and strategize accordingly.
🎯 Using Patterns to Your Advantage
While recognizing patterns is valuable, it's crucial to approach them with a discerning eye:
Confirmation is Key : Don't act on a pattern until it's confirmed. For example, in a Head and Shoulders, wait for a break below the neckline before taking a position.
Volume Matters : Volume often validates a pattern. A genuine breakout is usually accompanied by increased trading volume, indicating strong participation.
Contextual Awareness : Consider the broader market context. Patterns can yield false signals in volatile or news-driven environments.
Risk Management : Always set stop-loss orders to protect against unexpected moves. Patterns suggest probabilities, not certainties.
🧬 The Evolution of Patterns in Modern Markets
In today's algorithm-driven trading landscape, one might wonder if traditional chart patterns still hold relevance. Interestingly, even sophisticated trading algorithms (those used by hedge funds and investment managers) are programmed based on historical patterns and human behavior, perpetuating the cycle.
Moreover, as long as markets are driven by human participants, emotions will influence decisions, and patterns will emerge. The tools may evolve, but the underlying psychology remains constant.
🤗 Conclusion: Embrace the Predictability
In the volatile world of trading, chart patterns serve as a bridge between market psychology and price action. They offer insights into collective behavior, providing traders with a framework to anticipate movements.
By studying these recurring formations, traders can align their strategies with market sentiment, turning the predictability of human nature into a trading edge.
What’s your go-to technical analysis pattern? Are you and H&S trader or maybe you prefer to trade double tops? Share your approach in the comments!
Strongest Reversal Candlestick Patterns For Gold & Forex
In this educational article, we will discuss powerful reversal candlestick patterns that every trader must know.
Bullish Engulfing Candle
Bullish engulfing candle is one of my favourite ones.
It usually indicates the initiation of a bullish movement after a strong bearish wave.
The main element of this pattern is a relatively big body. Being bigger than the entire range of the previous (bearish) candle, it should completely "engulf" that.
Such a formation indicates the strength of the buyers and their willingness to push the price higher.
Bullish engulfing candle that I spotted on Gold chart gave a perfect bullish trend-following signal.
Bearish Engulfing Candle
The main element of this pattern is a relatively big body that is bigger than the entire range of the previous (bullish) candle.
Such a formation indicates the strength of the sellers and their willingness to push the price lower.
________________________
Bullish Inside Bar
Inside bar formation is a classic indecision pattern.
It usually forms after a strong bullish/bearish impulse and signifies a consolidation .
The pattern consists of 2 main elements:
mother's bar - a relatively strong bullish or bearish candle,
inside bars - the following candles that a trading within the range of the mother's bar.
The breakout of the range of the mother's bar may quite accurately confirm the reversal.
A bullish breakout of its range and a candle close above that usually initiates a strong bullish movement.
Bearish Inside Bar
A bearish breakout of the range of the mother's bar and a candle close below that usually initiates a strong bearish movement.
Bearish breakout of the range of the mother's bar candlestick provided a strong bearish signal
on EURUSD.
________________________
Doji Candle (Morning Star)
By a Doji we mean a candle that has the same opening and closing price.
Being formed after a strong bearish move, such a Doji will be called a Morning Star. It signifies the oversold condition of the market and the local weakness of sellers.
Such a formation may quite accurately indicate a coming bullish movement.
Doji Candle (Evening Star)
Being formed after a strong bullish move, such a Doji will be called an Evening Star. It signifies the overbought condition of the market and the local weakness of buyers.
Such a formation may quite accurately indicate a coming bearish movement.
Above is a perfect example of a doji candle and a consequent bearish movement on Silver.
I apply these formations for making predictions on financial markets every day. They perfectly work on Forex, Futures, Crypto markets and show their efficiency on various time frames.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Part 1: How to Analyze Events in the Forex Market?
The forex market is one of the most dynamic and volatile financial markets in the world. It is deeply influenced by global events, economic data, and geopolitical developments. Traders who understand how to analyze these events can make informed decisions and capitalize on market movements.
Influence Of the Global Events:
The forex market is directly linked to global economic health. Since currencies represent the economies of their respective countries, any significant event like an interest rate decision, inflation data, or geopolitical conflict. It can cause major fluctuations in currency prices. Here’s global events play important role:
- Central Bank Policies: When the Federal Reserve (Fed) or European Central Bank (ECB) changes interest rates, it impacts global liquidity and investment flows.
- Economic Data Releases: GDP growth, inflation, and employment reports provide insights into economic stability, affecting investor confidence.
- Geopolitical Events: Wars, elections, trade agreements, and diplomatic conflicts impact currency demand and risk sentiment.
What Happens When News Is Published?
When a major economic event or news release occurs, the forex market reacts instantly. Here’s the typical stages of events:
Stage 1: Market Expectations: Before the news release, traders anticipate the outcome based on forecasts. The market often prices in expectations.
Stage 2: Immediate Volatility: If the actual data differs from the forecast, there’s a sharp price movement in the affected currency pairs.
Stage 3: Liquidity Fluctuations: Spreads widen, and liquidity dries up momentarily as traders rush to execute orders.
Stage 4: Short-Term Correction: After the initial reaction, the market stabilizes, and price action follows the broader trend.
Major Events:
Central Bank Meetings – Institutions like the Fed, ECB, BoJ, and BoE set monetary policies. Interest rate hikes strengthen a currency, while rate cuts weaken it. Forward guidance also plays a role in shaping long-term trends.
Inflation Reports (CPI & PPI): These measure inflation levels, influencing central bank decisions. Higher inflation often leads to interest rate hikes, strengthening the currency, while lower inflation may result in monetary easing, weakening it.
Employment Data (NFP & Job Reports) – The US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report is a key indicator. Strong job growth supports a stronger USD, while weak employment data signals economic trouble.
GDP Growth Reports –:A higher-than-expected GDP growth rate boosts investor confidence and strengthens the currency, while economic contraction leads to depreciation.
Political & Geopolitical Events: Elections, government policies, trade wars, and conflicts create uncertainty, often pushing investors toward safe-haven currencies like the USD, JPY, or CHF
One's Loss, Another's Win:
When the U.S. releases strong economic data, such as higher-than-expected GDP growth, strong job reports (NFP), or an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve, The demand for the U.S. dollar increases. This leads to USD appreciation against other currencies, including the euro.
For example,
---> EUR/USD falls : USD is gaining strength, it takes fewer dollars to buy 1 euro, causing the EUR/USD exchange rate to drop.
---> USD/EUR rises : USD is now wortth more, the inverse exchange rate (USD/EUR) increases, meaning 1 USD can now buy more euro.
Key strategies for trading events:
•Stay Ahead with an Event Calendar: Keep track of important economic events and central bank meetings to anticipate potential market-moving news.
• Gauge Market Expectations: Understand forecasts and market sentiment before the event to predict how the market might react.
• Implement Stop-Loss Orders: Protect your trades from excessive risk by setting stop-loss orders to cap potential losses during volatile moves.
• Wait for Market Stability: Allow the market to settle after the event to avoid getting caught in the initial volatility and better assess the trend.
• Evaluate the Market’s Response: Assess the immediate market reaction to the event to identify if the initial price move is sustainable or a short-term spike.
Drawbacks of Trading News:
High Volatility & Whipsaws: Prices can spike in both directions before settling on a trend, leading to stop-loss hunting.
Widened Spreads: During news releases, brokers often widen spreads, increasing trading costs.
Slippage: Rapid price movements can lead to orders being executed at unexpected prices.
Emotional Trading: Sudden market swings can trigger impulsive decisions, leading to losses.
Market Manipulation: Big players and institutions often move the market unpredictably before major news releases.
In the next part, we will focus on the specific events and strategies.
How I Stopped Missing The Best Trade Entries!!I’ll be honest—when I started trading, I had no idea what I was doing. I’d open a 15-minute chart, see what looked like a good setup, and jump in. Sometimes I got lucky, but more often than not, the market turned against me.
I remember one trade in particular that still stings when I think about it. I was trading EUR/USD on the 15-minute chart, and I spotted what I thought was the perfect breakout. Without hesitating, I entered.
An hour later, the market completely reversed, and I was stopped out. Frustrated, I zoomed out to the daily chart, and there it was: I’d entered a buy trade right into a major resistance zone during a long-term downtrend.
That trade taught me a hard truth: if you don’t look at the bigger picture, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
How I Changed My Approach
After that trade, I knew I had to change how I looked at the market. I started using multiple timeframes, and it made all the difference. Here’s how I do it:
1️⃣ Start Big (Monthly and Weekly Charts):
I always start with the monthly or weekly chart to get the big picture. Is the market trending up, down, or just moving sideways? Are we approaching any major levels that could cause a reversal?
For example, if the monthly chart shows a strong downtrend, I know I’ll only be looking for sell setups. That keeps me from fighting the overall momentum.
2️⃣ Zoom In (Daily and 4-Hour Charts):
Once I’ve got the big picture, I move to the daily or 4-hour chart. This is where I refine my plan. I look for key levels like support and resistance or patterns like consolidations and pullbacks.
These timeframes help me figure out where the market is likely to go next, and they’re where I start building my trade idea.
3️⃣ Precision Entries (30-Minute and 5-Minute Charts):
Finally, I drop to the lower timeframes—30-minute and 5-minute charts—to time my entry. This is where I wait for confirmation. Maybe it’s a candlestick pattern, a breakout with volume, or a pullback to a key level I spotted earlier.
This part takes patience. There have been so many times I’ve almost jumped the gun, but waiting for that confirmation has saved me more times than I can count.
My Secret Sauce
Here’s the approach I stick to every single time:
1. Align with the bigger picture. If the monthly and weekly charts are trending down, I only look for sell setups. I don’t care what the smaller timeframes say—sticking to the big picture keeps me disciplined.
2.Identify key levels. On the daily and 4-hour charts, I mark the major support and resistance zones where the market is likely to react.
3.Wait for confirmation. When the price reaches one of my levels, I don’t jump in right away. I wait for the 30-minute or 5-minute chart to give me a clear entry signal.
Here’s the real kicker: I’ve learned to walk away if nothing aligns. No trade is better than a bad trade, and patience has become my best tool.
Switching to multiple timeframes has completely changed the way I trade. It taught me to be patient, to respect the market, and to stop forcing trades that don’t make sense.
If you’ve been struggling with timing your entries or feel like you’re always one step behind, I get it—I’ve been there. Try this approach. Start with the bigger picture, work your way down, and let the market come to you.
And if you’ve got questions or want to know more about how I trade, send me a DM or check out my profile. I’m happy to help—you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Kris/Mindbloome Exchange
Trade What You See
Where & How to Draw Strong Support and Resistance Lines & Zones
In this article, I will teach you how to draw support and resistance.
We will discuss support and resistance lines, levels, zones.
You will learn where and how to find it properly with simply technical analysis technique that works on forex, gold or any other financial market.
First, let me note that the most reliable time frame for support and resistance analysis is the daily . The structures that you will find there will be appropriate for day trading, scalping and swing trading.
Once you open a daily time frame, you should choose a correct perspective . Because this t.f lets you see the price action even for the past couple of years.
You need to see the market movement for the last 2 months . It is more than enough to identify the recent key levels.
Above is AUDUSD on a daily. We see the price history for 2 months.
In order to identify significant supports and resistances, simply find the levels - the highs and lows that the market respected in the past and from where important movements started.
These are all such highs and lows that meet the criteria.
When I do the support/resistance analysis, I prefer to perceive it as clusters - the zones , taking into consideration the candle closes as well.
A support zone will be based on the level of the critical low and the lowest closest candle close.
A resistance zone will be based on the level of the high and
the highest closest candle close.
Following such a rule, here are the zones that I identified.
All the clusters that are identified will be applied as trading zones.
Within the supports, we look for buying opportunities.
While the resistances will be used for selling .
Depending on your trading style, and you choose a proper signal before you execute the trade.
Execute support and resistance analysis with care and attention, because it is the absolute basis of any technical analysis strategy.
With incorrect key levels identification, even the best trading strategy will fail .
I hope that the method that I showed you will help you in your trading journey.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
Master Short-term Trading in Stock, Forex, and Crypto MarketsMaster Short-term Trading in Stock, Forex, and Crypto Markets
Short-term trading is a fast-paced approach that demands skill, strategy, and quick decision-making to capitalise on small price moves in financial markets like stocks, forex, and crypto. This article dives into advanced techniques, adaptive strategies, and psychological discipline needed to improve your trading edge.
Choosing the Right Market and Asset for Short-Term Trading
Short-term trading isn’t just about finding an opportunity; it’s about picking the right market and asset that aligns with your strategy, risk tolerance, and trading style. Different assets and markets move in unique ways, and understanding their traits can sharpen your trading decisions and improve your ability to identify favourable setups.
Stocks
When short-term trading stocks, movements often hinge on company-specific events like earnings reports, product launches, or even management changes. Ideal stocks for short-term trading typically include those in technology or high-growth sectors, which tend to show greater volatility and liquidity. However, specific stock trading hours limit opportunities (with after-hours trading often seeing lower volume), which can reduce flexibility compared to 24-hour markets like forex or crypto.
Forex
Known for its high liquidity and 24-hour trading cycle 5 days a week, the forex market offers ample short-term trading opportunities, particularly with major currency pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD. These pairs are heavily traded, leading to tighter spreads, which is essential for traders looking to make multiple trades in a single day. The forex market is also influenced by economic data releases and geopolitical events, making it a good match for traders who stay updated on global news and market sentiment.
Commodities
Trading commodities like gold, oil, and silver can add diversity to short-term trading. Commodities often see increased activity during times of economic uncertainty or when inflationary pressures are high. Precious metals like gold, for instance, are seen as so-called “safe havens,” attracting short-term traders during volatile market periods. Energy commodities, such as oil, also offer strong moves tied to supply and demand shifts, including geopolitical developments and inventory reports.
Cryptocurrencies
The crypto market stands out for its high volatility and 24/7 trading schedule. For those looking to trade for the short term in the crypto market, major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum are common choices due to their frequent price swings, while smaller coins can offer higher-risk, high-reward short-term investment potential.
However, crypto’s high risk and rapid price swings mean that traders must carefully manage the size of their short-term investments and stay alert to sudden shifts in market sentiment, often driven by regulatory updates or large-scale adoption news.
Advanced Technical Analysis Techniques
For traders aiming to refine their short-term investing, advanced technical analysis techniques can provide the depth needed to make quick, informed decisions. These methods go beyond basic indicators, giving traders a closer look at price dynamics, market psychology, and trade volume to spot potential setups.
Price Action Analysis
Price action analysis focuses on interpreting price movements without relying heavily on indicators. Traders using this method look for specific patterns like “doji” and “engulfing” candlesticks to gauge market sentiment. Recognising these patterns, along with key levels such as support and resistance, can help trader time entries and exits by indicating when momentum may shift. Price action is especially useful in volatile markets, where traditional indicators may lag.
Volume Profile
Volume profile charts and indicators show the volume traded at each price level over a given period, helping traders identify where the most buying and selling is happening. This technique highlights “high-volume nodes,” or price points where large amounts of trading occur, indicating levels where the price might stall or reverse. By using volume profiles, traders can spot areas of consolidation or breakout zones, refining their trade entries or exits based on market interest.
Discover volume profile tools on FXOpen’s advanced TickTrader platform.
Dow Theory
Dow Theory is a market analysis framework that asserts markets move in trends, with each trend consisting of primary, secondary, and minor waves. Short-term traders often focus on secondary trends (lasting days to weeks) to align their trades with market direction. By recognising the phases of accumulation, public participation, and distribution, traders can better understand the market’s larger direction and time their entries.
Wyckoff Theory
Wyckoff Theory can be used by short-term traders for recognising and capitalising on repeatable market patterns driven by supply and demand. Through Wyckoff’s approach to price and volume analysis, traders can identify phases, which signal potential reversals or continuation trends. This allows short-term traders to time entries and exits more accurately based on market structure. Additionally, Wyckoff’s emphasis on liquidity and the role of large institutional players helps traders anticipate price movements, enabling them to make informed decisions in volatile, fast-moving markets.
Elliott Wave Theory
Elliott Wave Theory proposes that markets move in repetitive waves influenced by crowd psychology. For short-term traders, identifying the five-wave impulse or corrective patterns can provide context on where the market may be within a larger cycle. This analysis can assist in timing trades by aligning with the anticipated movement within a wave sequence.
Developing a Flexible, Adaptive Strategy
In fast-paced markets, adaptable short-term trading strategies are key for traders who want to thrive in varying conditions. A flexible approach enables traders to pivot based on volatility, volume, and market sentiment without rigidly sticking to one strategy.
Scalping vs Day Trading
Scalping and day trading both offer short-term opportunities, but each thrives in distinct conditions. Scalping—executing numerous quick trades for small gains—is potentially effective in high-volatility environments with tight spreads, like forex or certain tech stocks. Day trading, on the other hand, takes advantage of slightly longer holding times within a single day, allowing traders to capitalise on more substantial moves. Knowing when to switch between these approaches keeps traders prepared.
Timeframe Adjustments
Adapting timeframes based on volatility can improve timing. For example, traders might use 1-minute charts during high volatility and 5- or 15-minute charts when the market is steadier, allowing them to focus on potentially more reliable setups without overreacting to noise.
Continuous Backtesting and Refinement
An adaptive strategy relies on ongoing backtesting to identify what works in current conditions. Live adaptation is also essential—strategies might need adjustments in real time based on changing market sentiment or unexpected events. Keeping strategies flexible and adjusting as data changes help traders stay aligned with the market’s rhythm.
Advanced Risk Management Techniques
Effective risk management goes beyond setting a simple stop loss. For advanced traders, techniques like dynamic position sizing, trailing stops, and a nuanced grasp of win rate and risk-reward ratios are essential to navigating volatile markets.
Dynamic Position Sizing
Adjusting position sizes based on current market conditions allows traders to respond to volatility without overexposing their capital. For instance, in highly volatile sessions, traders may reduce position sizes to limit exposure, while in low volatility periods, they might increase them to capture larger potential gains.
Trailing Stops
Trailing stops protect potential gains while letting trades run. As the market moves favourably, a trailing stop gradually locks in gains, automatically adjusting to reduce risk if the trend reverses. This is especially useful for fast-paced assets where trends can shift quickly, helping traders maximise trade effectiveness without manually adjusting their exits.
Win Rate and Risk-Reward Balance
A high win rate isn’t always the goal; balancing it with a good risk-reward ratio is often more sustainable. For example, a trader with a 40% win rate might still see strong potential returns if their average risk-reward is 1:3.
Psychological Discipline and Strategy Execution
Mastering short-term trading requires more than technical skill—it’s about controlling emotions and staying disciplined under pressure. Even with a solid strategy, emotional biases like fear and greed can cloud judgement and lead to impulsive decisions.
Avoiding Overtrading
Overtrading often stems from frustration or the “fear of missing out.” Identifying decent shares to buy for the short term can be exciting, but it’s essential to set clear limits on daily trades. By focusing on quality setups over quantity, traders can prevent hasty, low-probability trades that erode potential gains.
Sticking to the Plan
A pre-set strategy is only as good as its execution. Traders can strengthen discipline by following structured routines—such as starting each session with a plan, reviewing recent trades, and assessing market conditions. Journaling each trade, including the reasoning and emotions behind it, helps reinforce the commitment to the strategy.
Routine and Mindfulness
Building a consistent daily routine, from meditation to pre-market preparation, can help reduce emotional swings and keep a trader’s focus sharp. Practising mindfulness helps traders stay centred, making it easier to manage emotions, avoid unplanned trades, and stay aligned with their strategic goals.
The Bottom Line
Skills like advanced analysis, adaptable strategies, and emotional discipline are essential to navigate stocks, forex, and cryptocurrency markets effectively. With the right tools and techniques, traders can make agile decisions in fast-moving markets. For those ready to take their trading further, opening an FXOpen account offers access to four robust trading platforms, competitive spreads, and fast execution speeds—ideal for short-term trading.
FAQ
What Is Short-Term Trading?
Short-term trading involves buying and selling financial assets over low timeframes, typically ranging from minutes to hours. Traders aim to capitalise on rapid price movements rather than holding positions long-term.
How Do Short-Term Traders Make Money?
Short-term traders aim to take advantage of small price changes by timing their trades based on market trends, technical analysis, or key events. They base their strategies on quick decision-making, effective risk management, and sometimes high-frequency trading.
How to Pick Good Stocks for the Short-Term?
To find short-term stocks, traders look for stocks with high liquidity and volatility, as these are more likely to see meaningful price swings. Many traders focus on stocks to buy for the short term that offer recent/upcoming news or earnings reports, which tend to drive price momentum.
Which Crypto to Buy for the Short-Term?
High-liquidity cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are popular for short-term trades due to frequent price fluctuations. However, smaller coins can also offer opportunities, but these often carry higher risks due to their volatility.
Can You Make a Living From Short-Term Trading?
Yes, but it’s challenging. Short-term trading requires a strong strategy, deep market knowledge, and emotional discipline. Many traders supplement their income with other sources, as consistent gains can be difficult to achieve.
At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency CFDs are only available for trading by those clients categorised as Professional clients under FCA Rules. They are not available for trading by Retail clients.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Textbook Reversal Setup: Liquidity Zone + Channel BreakReversal Setup Analysis: HTF Liquidity Zone + Ascending Channel Breakdown
This chart highlights a high-probability bearish reversal setup based on key technical confluences. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the analysis:
1. High-Timeframe (HTF) Liquidity Zone (LQZ):
- The red zone marks a major HTF supply area where price previously rejected with a strong impulsive move downward. This liquidity zone is critical as it represents an area where institutional players have shown activity, creating a high-probability region for a potential reversal.
- As price approached this zone again, it did so in a corrective manner (via an ascending channel), which indicates weakening bullish momentum.
2. Impulsive vs. Corrective Structures:
- Impulsive Move: The strong move away from the HTF LQZ (highlighted earlier in the chart) confirms bearish intent, serving as a key reference point for this trade idea.
Corrective Structure: The price forms an ascending channel on the way back to retest the HTF LQZ, signaling exhaustion of buyers.
- The third touch of the channel’s trendline coincides with the HTF LQZ, adding confluence for a potential bearish reversal.
3. Liquidity Zones in Play:
- HTF Liquidity Zone (Supply): Serves as the key resistance level and primary rejection zone.
- 15-Minute Liquidity Zone (Demand): Acts as a potential target for bearish momentum post-breakdown.
- This multi-timeframe liquidity alignment strengthens the trade idea by providing clear areas of interest for entry, stop-loss, and take-profit placement.
4. Breakdown Entry and Structure:
- Entry Trigger: The trade is triggered on the break of structure, where price falls through the lower boundary of the ascending channel. This breakdown confirms bearish momentum resuming after the corrective phase.
- Stop-Loss Placement: Ideally placed above the HTF liquidity zone and beyond the third touch of the channel to account for potential fake-outs.
- Take-Profit Levels: Targets can be set near the 15M liquidity zone or prior swing lows for a solid risk-to-reward ratio.
5. Key Takeaways:
- This setup offers an excellent example of combining HTF liquidity zones, structural patterns, and market context to develop a high-probability trade idea. The rejection from the HTF LQZ aligns with the broader bearish narrative, while the ascending channel acts as a corrective structure leading to a continuation of the downward move.
- By focusing on confluence factors like liquidity zones, impulsive vs. corrective moves, and structural breaks, this trade idea demonstrates a disciplined and strategic approach to trading reversals.
Educational Insights:
- Always zoom out to identify HTF zones of significance to ensure alignment with the larger market context.
- Differentiate between impulsive and corrective structures to gauge the strength and intent of price movements.
- Use pattern confluences (e.g., ascending channels) in combination with key zones to identify high-probability entries.
- Prioritize patience and discipline by waiting for clear structural breaks to confirm your setup.
What Are Leading Trading Indicators, and How Can You Use ThemWhat Are Leading Trading Indicators, and How Can You Use Them in Trading?
Leading indicators are essential tools for traders aiming to analyse market movements. This article explains what leading indicators are, how they work, and their practical application across different asset classes. Read on to discover how tools like RSI, Stochastic Oscillator, On-balance Volume, and Fibonacci retracements can enhance your trading strategy.
What Are Leading Technical Indicators?
Technical indicators are divided into leading and lagging. Leading indicators in trading are tools used to identify potential price movements before they occur. Lagging indicators confirm trends after they begin, helping traders validate price movements. The difference between leading and lagging indicators is that leading indicators aim to give traders an edge by signalling when a new trend or reversal might be on the horizon while lagging indicators confirm trends after they've developed.
Leading trading indicators work by analysing price data to identify patterns or extremes in buying and selling behaviour. For instance, popular leading indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Stochastic Oscillator measure momentum in a market. These indicators help traders spot overbought or oversold conditions, where RSI tracks recent price movements relative to historical performance, while the Stochastic Oscillator compares a security's closing price to its price range over a set period.
However, it’s important to note that leading indicators can produce false signals, meaning they may suggest a price move that doesn’t materialise. Because of this, traders often combine them with other technical analysis tools, such as support and resistance levels, or use them alongside lagging indicators to validate the signals they receive.
Types of Leading Indicators in Trading
Leading indicators are divided into various types, each serving a unique role in analysing potential market movements. Three common types include momentum indicators, oscillators, and volume indicators:
- Momentum Indicators: These track the speed or rate of price changes. They are used to assess the strength of a trend and determine potential reversals when the momentum slows. Momentum indicators help traders when an asset is overbought or oversold.
- Oscillators: These indicators fluctuate between fixed values (usually 0 and 100) to reflect the market’s current momentum. They help traders pinpoint potential reversals by highlighting when an asset is overbought or oversold. Oscillators are particularly useful in range-bound markets where price movement is confined within support and resistance levels.
- Volume Indicators: These focus on the amount of trading activity, rather than price movement. By analysing the flow of volume in or out of an asset, traders can gauge the strength behind price movements. Increasing volume in the direction of a trend often confirms its continuation, while the divergence between volume and price can indicate potential reversals.
Below, we’ll take a look at a list of leading indicators. If you’d like to explore these indicators alongside dozens more, head over to FXOpen’s free TickTrader trading platform.
Relative Strength Index (RSI)
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is one of the most popular leading indicators examples. RSI is a momentum oscillator that helps traders evaluate the strength of an asset’s price movements. Developed by J. Welles Wilder, it measures the speed and change of price actions over a set period—typically 14 candles—on a scale from 0 to 100.
The primary signals RSI produces revolve around overbought and oversold conditions. When the indicator breaks above 70, it suggests that an asset may be overbought, reflecting the potential for a reversal or correction. Conversely, when RSI falls below 30, it signals that an asset may be oversold, which can indicate a potential recovery. These thresholds provide traders with insight into whether the price has moved too far in one direction and is poised for a change.
RSI can also highlight trend reversals through divergence. If the price of an asset continues to rise while the RSI drops, it indicates bearish divergence, signalling potential weakening momentum. On the other hand, bullish divergence occurs when the price falls, but the RSI rises, suggesting that the downward trend may be losing strength.
Another useful RSI signal is when it crosses the 50-level. In an uptrend, RSI remaining above 50 can confirm momentum, while in a downtrend, staying below 50 reinforces bearish sentiment.
However, RSI is not foolproof. During a strong trend, the indicator can signal overbought or oversold for a long while and lead to false signals. This is why it’s often paired with other indicators to confirm signals.
Stochastic Oscillator
The Stochastic Oscillator is a momentum-based indicator that assesses the relationship between an asset's closing price and its price range over a specific number of periods, typically 14. It consists of two lines: the %K line, the primary line, and the %D line, which is a moving average of %K, providing smoother signals.
This oscillator ranges from 0 to 100, with readings above 80 indicating overbought conditions and those below 20 signalling oversold conditions. Traders utilise these signals to determine potential reversals in price. For example, when the oscillator rises above 80 and then drops below it, a potential sell signal is generated. Conversely, when it falls below 20 and climbs back above, it might indicate a buy opportunity.
The Stochastic Oscillator also provides crossover signals, where the %K line crosses above or below the %D line. A bullish crossover occurs when %K rises above %D, indicating that upward momentum may be increasing. A bearish crossover happens when %K falls below %D, suggesting that momentum is shifting downward.
In addition to overbought/oversold and crossovers, the Stochastic Oscillator can identify divergence, which signals potential trend reversals. A bullish divergence occurs when the price makes a lower low, but the oscillator shows a higher low, indicating a weakening downward momentum. On the other hand, a bearish divergence happens when the price makes a higher high, but the oscillator makes a lower high, suggesting the uptrend might be losing steam.
While the Stochastic Oscillator can be powerful in range-bound markets, it can be prone to false signals in trending markets.
On-Balance Volume (OBV)
On-Balance Volume (OBV) is an indicator that tracks the flow of trading volume to assess whether buying or selling pressure is dominating the market. It was introduced by Joseph Granville in 1963, and its primary concept is that volume precedes price movements. This makes OBV a useful tool for analysing potential trend reversals. While the absolute value of OBV is not crucial, its direction over time provides insight into the market’s underlying sentiment.
OBV offers several key signals:
- Trend Direction: A rising OBV supports an upward price trend, indicating strong buying pressure, while a falling OBV reflects a downtrend with selling pressure.
- Divergence: Traders use OBV to identify a divergence between price and volume. If the price is making new highs while OBV is falling, it suggests a weakening trend, potentially signalling a reversal. Conversely, rising OBV with falling prices can hint at a potential bullish reversal.
- Breakouts: OBV can also be used to spot potential breakouts. For instance, if OBV rises while prices are range-bound, it may indicate an upcoming upward breakout.
However, like any indicator, OBV has limitations. It can produce false signals in choppy markets and is used alongside other technical tools, such as Moving Averages or support and resistance levels, to improve reliability.
Fibonacci Retracement
Fibonacci retracements are a technical analysis tool that helps traders pinpoint potential support and resistance levels during price fluctuations. The tool is based on the Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers that produce key ratios like 23.6%, 38.2%, 61.8%, and 78.6%. These percentages represent levels where the price of an asset might retrace before continuing its trend.
Traders apply Fibonacci retracement by selecting two extreme points on a price chart, such as a recent high and low. The tool then plots horizontal lines at the Fibonacci levels, indicating possible areas where the price might pause or reverse. For example, in an uptrend, a price pullback to the 38.2% level could signal a buying opportunity if the trend is likely to resume.
Fibonacci retracements are often used in conjunction with other indicators, such as the MACD or RSI, to confirm signals and enhance reliability. While they provide valuable insight into potential turning points, it's crucial to remember that these levels aren't guarantees—prices may not always behave as expected at these points, especially in volatile markets.
How Traders Use Leading Indicators in Practice
Traders use leading indicators to gain insights into potential price movements before they occur, helping them position themselves early in a trend. Here’s how leading indicators are typically applied:
- Identifying Overbought or Oversold Conditions: Indicators like RSI or Stochastic Oscillator are used to spot extreme price levels. When these indicators signal that a market is overbought or oversold, traders analyse the situation for potential trend reversals.
- Combining Indicators for Confirmation: It’s common to pair multiple leading indicators to strengthen signals. For example, a trader might use both the RSI and OBV to confirm momentum shifts and avoid acting on false signals.
- Spotting Divergences: Traders look for divergence between an indicator and price action. For instance, if prices are rising, but the indicator is falling, it can suggest weakening momentum, signalling a potential downward reversal.
- Clear Entry and Exit Points: Leading indicators often provide clear entry and exit points. For instance, the Stochastic Oscillator signals a bearish reversal and entry point when it crosses back below 80, with traders typically exiting the trade when the indicator crosses above 20. Likewise, Fibonacci retracements can provide precise levels where a trend might stall or reverse.
Potential Risks and Limitations of Leading Indicators for Trading
While leading indicators offer valuable insights into potential price movements, they come with risks and limitations.
- False Signals: One of the biggest challenges is that leading indicators can generate false signals, especially in volatile markets. For instance, an indicator might signal a reversal, but the price continues in its original direction, leading traders to take positions prematurely.
- Limited Accuracy in Trending Markets: It’s common that in strong trends, such indicators remain overbought or oversold for extended periods, causing traders to misinterpret momentum.
- Overreliance on One Indicator: No single indicator is foolproof. Relying heavily on one without considering other factors can lead to poor decisions. Traders need to combine leading indicators with other tools like support/resistance levels or trendlines to validate signals.
- Lagging in Fast-Moving Markets: Even though they are called "leading" indicators, they can sometimes lag in rapidly changing markets. By the time a signal is generated, the opportunity may have already passed.
The Bottom Line
Whether trading forex, commodities, or the stock market, leading indicators offer valuable insights to help traders anticipate potential price movements. By combining these tools with a solid strategy, traders can better navigate market conditions. To start implementing these insights across more than 700 markets, consider opening an FXOpen account and take advantage of our high-speed, low-cost trading conditions.
FAQ
What Are the Leading Indicators in Trading?
Leading indicators are technical analysis tools used to determine potential price movements before they happen. Traders use them to anticipate market shifts, such as reversals or breakouts, by analysing price momentum or trends. Common examples include the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Stochastic Oscillator, and Fibonacci retracement levels.
What Are the Three Types of Leading Indicators?
The three main types of leading indicators for trading are momentum indicators (e.g., Momentum (MOM) indicator), oscillators (e.g., Stochastic), and volume indicators (e.g., On-Balance Volume). These tools help determine market direction by assessing price action or trading volume.
Is RSI a Leading Indicator?
Yes, RSI (Relative Strength Index) is a leading indicator. Considered one of the potentially best leading indicators for day trading, it measures momentum by comparing recent gains and losses, helping traders spot overbought or oversold conditions before potential reversals.
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7 Best Chart Patterns For Trading Forex and Gold
If you are studying chart parts, I prepared for you the list of 7 price action patterns you should never miss.
In this article, I will share with you powerful chart patterns for trading forex or any other financial market.
These patters work perfectly for day trading, swing trading and scalping.
We will study real market examples. I will explain the psychology and meaning of each pattern and explain to you how to trade them.
The first chart pattern that we will discuss is double top.
The pattern is formed on the edge of a bullish impulse.
It is based on 2 equal highs and a higher low between them.
A higher low composes a minor support.
A strong bearish signal is a breakout of a neckline and a candle close below that. Entry is on its retest. Stop loss is above the highs.
Target is the closest strong support.
The bullish version of a double top pattern is called double bottom
The pattern is formed on the edge of a bearish impulse.
It is based on 2 equal lows and a lower high between them.
A lower high composes a minor resistance.
A strong bullish signal is a breakout of a neckline and a candle close above that. Entry is on its retest. Stop loss is below the lows.
Target is the closest strong resistance.
The second powerful pattern is a descending triangle formation.
The pattern is formed on the edge of a bullish impulse.
It is based on at least 2 equal lows and 3 lower highs between them.
A falling trend line should respect the lower highs.
A strong bearish signal is a breakout of a neckline and a candle close below that. Entry is on its retest. Stop loss is above the highest high.
Target is the closest strong support.
A bullish variation of a triangle pattern is called an ascending triangle.
The pattern is formed on the edge of a bearish impulse.
It is based on at least 2 equal highs and 3 higher lows between them.
A rising trend line should respect the higher lows.
A strong bullish signal is a breakout of a neckline and a candle close above that. Entry is on its retest. Stop loss is below the lowest low.
Target is the closest strong resistance.
Chart pattern number 5 - Cup & Handle pattern.
Cup & handle pattern is the variation of a double bottom.
The only difference between 2 patterns is 1 lower low and a consequent higher low, instead of 2 equal lows.
Entry trigger and trade execution rules are absolutely the same as with a double bottom.
Stop loss is strictly below the lower low.
A bearish version of a cup & handle is called an inverted cup & handle.
Inverted cup & handle pattern is the variation of a double top.
The only difference between 2 patterns is 1 higher high and a consequent lower high, instead of 2 equal highs.
Entry trigger and trade execution rules are absolutely the same as with a double top.
Stop loss is strictly above the higher high.
The last and the most powerful chart pattern is the range .
Range is a strictly horizontal parallel channel where the price sets equal highs and equal lows, respecting the support and the resistance of the range.
This chart pattern signifies that the market found equilibrium, a fair value.
A strong bullish signal is a breakout of a resistance of the range and a candle close above that.
Target will be the next strong resistance, stop loss should lie below the lows of the range.
A strong bearish signal is a breakout of a support of the range and a candle close below that.
Target will be the next strong support, stop loss should lie above the highs of the range.
Of course, there are more patterns to study but these 7 are essential .
Your ability to recognize them is the key for accurate price action trading.
Learn to spot these patterns and good luck in your trading..
Let me know which patterns do you want to study in the next article.
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Mastering Fibonacci ChannelsFibonacci Channel: A Tool for Identifying Potential Trend Levels
The Fibonacci Channel is a powerful technical analysis tool that advanced traders use to identify potential support and resistance levels within a trend. This tool is particularly useful in trending markets, such as Forex and equities, to gauge price movement and pinpoint strategic entry and exit points.
The Fibonacci Channel consists of a series of parallel lines plotted using Fibonacci ratios (such as 0.382, 0.5, 0.618, etc.). These lines help traders mark key areas within a price trend that could indicate a potential reversal or continuation.
How to Use the Fibonacci Channel
1. Identify Start and End Points: Begin by identifying the start and end points of a trend that you want to analyze.
2. Draw the Channel Lines: Next, draw a trendline between the two points. The Fibonacci levels are then plotted as parallel lines above and below this trendline, helping traders visualize potential levels for price to reach or retrace.
3. Interpret the Lines: The plotted Fibonacci levels act as potential areas of support and resistance, providing traders with strategic points for entry or exit. For example, price movement reaching the 0.618 level often suggests a high probability of either reversal or trend continuation.
Using the Fibonacci Channel allows you to take advantage of market psychology embedded in these ratios, helping you make more informed decisions in a trend-driven market.