FX Professor 101: How I Start My Charts with Trendlines & FibFX Professor 101: How I Start My Charts with Trendlines & Fib Levels 🧠📈
Some of you asked me to show my charting process again — so here it is, strictly educational, using Pepper as the example (because a few of you believe in it and asked about it). Let’s build this chart together from scratch. 🛠️
Step 1: Get Full Historical Context 📜
I always start by selecting a chart with the most data available. More history = more structure to work with. No shortcuts here.
Step 2: Anchor with Horizontal Trendlines 📏
I look for a clear support → resistance → support pattern with no manipulation. That becomes my anchor level.
Then I scan for secondary levels – if they’re too close or manipulated, I keep them dotted and as references.
Zooming in helps. Don't hesitate to get granular when needed. 🔍
Step 3: Respect the Manipulation 🤨
If a chart feels overly manipulated (wicks, fakeouts, no clear rejections), I lose trust in it. But sometimes even within manipulation, valid levels emerge — and I mark them clearly.
Step 4: Fibonacci Confirmation 🔢✨
Once I place the trendlines, I overlay Fibonacci retracements to see if they align. In this case, one of my levels landed exactly on 0.618 – no cap! 😂 That’s when experience meets structure.
Final Notes 🧘♂️
• Only two levels made the final cut
• Secondary levels marked with dotted lines
• 0.618 Fib validated the primary structure
• Support at 929 is looking strong as of now
This is my process. It’s how I start every serious chart. Nothing fancy — just history, structure, and experience. If it helps even one of you out there, I’m happy. 💙
One Love,
The FXPROFESSOR 💙
Food for Trading Thought:
From my experience as an AI developer, I’ve come to one firm conclusion — AI will never replace us. It can assist, but it can’t see what you see or feel what you feel. The real edge in trading is your human intuition, patience, and discipline.
Trading is a game — a risky game. Play it right if you're going to play it at all.
Stay human and remember: the best Blockchain is YOU, the best Altcoins are your loved ones and your work/creation/purpose in life. 🎯
Technical Analysis
The Power of Price Action: Reading the Market Without IndicatorsIn the trading world, many traders get caught up in countless technical indicators such as RSI, MACD, and Stochastic… However, at the core of every price movement lies Price Action – the art of reading the market purely through price and volume, without relying heavily on indicators.
1. What is Price Action?
Price Action is the art of analyzing and making trading decisions based on pure price movement. Traders focus on price patterns, market structure, support and resistance levels, and especially candlestick signals, instead of depending on formula-based indicators.
2. Why is Price Action Important?
Primal nature: Price is the most direct information from the market, not lagging like indicators.
Flexibility: Applicable across all markets (Forex, Gold, Stocks, Crypto…).
Simplicity & effectiveness: Helps traders cut out the “noise” from overly complex tools.
3. Core Elements of Price Action
Support and Resistance Zones: Where supply and demand meet, shaping trends.
Market Structure: Uptrend, downtrend, consolidation, or breakout.
Reversal & Continuation Candlestick Patterns: Offering signals for entries and exits.
4. Key Candlestick Patterns
Doji: Reflects indecision, signaling a possible reversal or continuation.
Pin Bar (Long-tailed candlestick): A long wick shows strong rejection, a reliable reversal signal.
Engulfing: A candle that fully engulfs the previous one, demonstrating dominance from buyers or sellers.
From Strength to Weakness: ETH Validates a Key Bearish PatternIntroduction (Market Context)
Ether Futures (ETH) and Micro Ether Futures (MET) have been at the center of market attention since April 2025, when prices staged a remarkable rally of more than +250%. This surge was not just a technical phenomenon—it came in the wake of major macro events such as Liberation Day and the reemergence of U.S. tariff policies under Donald Trump’s administration. Those developments sparked speculative flows into digital assets, with Ether acting as one of the prime beneficiaries of capital rotation.
Yet markets rarely move in one direction forever. After such a sharp rise, technical exhaustion often follows, and signs of that exhaustion are beginning to surface on ETH’s daily chart. Traders who enjoyed the rally now face a critical juncture: whether to protect gains or to consider new opportunities in the opposite direction. The key lies in a pattern that has appeared many times in history, often marking important reversals—the Rising Wedge.
What is a Rising Wedge?
A Rising Wedge is one of the most recognizable bearish reversal formations in technical analysis. It typically develops after a strong uptrend, where price continues to push higher but does so with diminishing momentum. On the chart, the highs and lows still point upward, but the slope of the highs is shallower than the slope of the lows, creating a narrowing upward channel.
The psychology behind the wedge is critical: buyers are still in control, but they are running out of strength with every push higher. Sellers begin to absorb demand more aggressively, and eventually, price breaks through the lower boundary of the wedge. This breakdown often accelerates as trapped buyers unwind positions.
From a measurement perspective, technicians project the maximum width of the wedge at its start, and then apply that distance downward from the point of breakdown. This projection offers a technical target for where price may gravitate in the following weeks. In the case of Ether Futures, that target points toward the 3,200 area, a level of strong technical interest and a logical area for traders to watch closely.
RSI and Bearish Divergence
Alongside the wedge, momentum indicators add further weight to the bearish case. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a widely used oscillator that measures momentum on a scale of 0 to 100. Values above 70 are generally interpreted as “overbought,” while values below 30 suggest “oversold.”
The most powerful signals often emerge not when RSI is at an extreme, but when it diverges from price action. A bearish divergence occurs when price sets higher highs while RSI forms lower highs. This is an indication that upward momentum is weakening even as price appears to climb.
Ether Futures have displayed this phenomenon clearly over the past few weeks. The daily chart shows four successive higher highs in price, yet RSI failed to confirm these moves, instead tracing a series of lower peaks. Notably, RSI pierced the overbought zone above 70 twice during this period, but momentum faded quickly after each attempt. This divergence is a classic early warning sign that a bullish run is running out of steam.
Forward-Looking Trade Idea
With the Rising Wedge breakdown and RSI divergence in place, a structured trade plan emerges. Futures traders can express this view through either the standard Ether Futures contract (ETH) or its smaller counterpart, the Micro Ether Futures contract (MET).
Contract Specs & Margins
Ether Futures (ETH): Notional = 50 Ether, Tick size = 0.50, Tick value = $25.00, Initial margin ≈ $68,800 (subject to CME updates).
Micro Ether Futures (MET): Notional = 0.1 Ether, Tick size = 0.50, Tick value = $0.05, Initial margin ≈ $140 (subject to CME updates).
Trade Plan (Bearish Setup)
Direction: Short
Entry: 4,360
Target: 3,200
Stop Loss: 4,702 (coinciding with a minor resistance level)
Reward-to-Risk Ratio: ≈ 3.39 : 1
The projected wedge target around 3,200 is not only a measured move from the pattern but also sits close to a previously established UFO support zone. While anecdotal, this confluence reinforces the credibility of the level as a potential magnet for price.
Risk Management
Regardless of how compelling a technical setup may appear, the most decisive factor in trading remains risk management. Defining risk in advance ensures that losses are limited if the market behaves unexpectedly. In this case, placing the stop at 4,702 not only keeps risk under control but also aligns with a minor resistance level, making the trade plan technically coherent.
Position sizing also plays a crucial role. The availability of Micro Ether Futures (MET) allows traders to participate with significantly reduced capital requirements compared to the full-sized ETH contract. This flexibility makes it easier to fine-tune exposure and manage account risk more precisely.
Equally important is the discipline of adhering to precise entries and exits. Chasing a trade or ignoring pre-defined stop levels can erode the edge provided by technical analysis. Markets often deliver multiple opportunities, but without sound risk management, traders may not survive long enough to benefit from them. Ultimately, capital preservation is the foundation on which consistent performance is built.
Closing
Ether’s spectacular rally since April 2025 is a reminder of the asset’s ability to deliver explosive moves under the right conditions. Yet history shows that parabolic advances rarely continue uninterrupted. The combination of a Rising Wedge breakdown and a confirmed RSI divergence provides strong evidence that the current uptrend is losing momentum, and the market may be entering a corrective phase.
For traders, this is less about predicting the future and more about recognizing when probabilities align in favor of a defined setup. With clear entry, target, and stop levels, the ETH and MET contracts offer a structured opportunity for those willing to take a bearish stance while managing their risk appropriately.
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.
Mastering the Elliott Wave Pattern🔵 Mastering the Elliott Wave Pattern: Structure, Psychology, and Trading Tips
Difficulty: 🐳🐳🐳🐋🐋 (Intermediate+)
This article is for traders who want to understand the logic behind Elliott Waves — not just memorize patterns. We’ll cover the structure, trader psychology behind each wave, and practical tips for applying it in modern markets.
🔵 INTRODUCTION
The Elliott Wave Theory is one of the oldest and most respected market models. Developed by Ralph Nelson Elliott in the 1930s, it proposes that price doesn’t move randomly — it follows repeating cycles of optimism and pessimism.
At its core, Elliott Wave helps traders see the bigger picture structure of the market. Instead of focusing on one candle or one setup, you learn to read the “story” across multiple waves.
2021 BTC TOP
TESLA Stock
🔵 THE BASIC 5-WAVE STRUCTURE
The foundation of Elliott Wave is the Impulse Wave — a 5-wave pattern that moves in the direction of the trend.
Wave 1: The first push, often driven by smart money entering early.
Wave 2: A correction that shakes out weak hands but doesn’t retrace fully.
Wave 3: The strongest and longest wave — fueled by mass participation.
Wave 4: A pause, consolidation, or sideways correction.
Wave 5: The final push — often weaker, driven by late retail traders.
🔵 THE CORRECTIVE 3-WAVE STRUCTURE
After the 5-wave impulse comes a 3-wave correction , labeled A-B-C.
Wave A: First countertrend move — often mistaken as a dip.
Wave B: A false rally — traps late buyers.
Wave C: A stronger decline (or rally in bearish market), often equal to or longer than Wave A.
Together, the impulse (5) and correction (3) form an 8-wave cycle .
🔵 PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND THE WAVES
Each wave reflects trader psychology:
Wave 1: Smart money positions quietly.
Wave 2: Retail doubts the trend — “it’s just a pullback.”
Wave 3: Mass recognition, everyone piles in.
Wave 4: Profit-taking and hesitation.
Wave 5: Final retail FOMO.
A-B-C: Reality check, trend unwinds before cycle resets.
🔵 TRADING WITH ELLIOTT WAVES
1️⃣ Spot the Trend
Identify whether the market is in an impulse (5-wave) or correction (A-B-C).
2️⃣ Use Fibonacci for Validation
Wave 2 usually retraces 50–61.8-78.6% of Wave 1.
Wave 3 often extends 161.8% of Wave 1.
Wave 5 is often equal to Wave 1.
3️⃣ Trade the Highest-Probability Waves
Wave 3 (trend acceleration) and Wave C (correction completion) are often the cleanest opportunities.
4️⃣ Don’t Force It
Not every market move is Elliott Wave. Use it as a framework, not a rulebook.
🔵 COMMON MISTAKES
Over-labeling: Trying to force waves where they don’t exist.
Ignoring timeframes: Waves may look different across scales.
Trading every wave: Not all waves are high-probability setups.
🔵 CONCLUSION
The Elliott Wave Theory isn’t about perfection — it’s about perspective. It helps traders understand market cycles, recognize crowd psychology, and anticipate major turning points.
Use Elliott Wave as a map , not a prediction tool. When combined with confluence — volume, liquidity zones, or trend filters — it becomes a powerful edge.
Do you trade with Elliott Waves? Or do you think they’re too subjective? Share your experience below!
Dow Theory: Unlocking Market Trends for Consistent ProfitsDow Theory is the foundation of modern technical analysis. Developed by Charles H. Dow in the late 19th century, this theory asserts that the market reflects all information and price movements always follow identifiable trends. To this day, Dow Theory remains a "compass" for traders in understanding price behavior.
6 Core Principles of Dow Theory:
The Market Reflects All
Price includes all information: news, expectations, psychology, and economic data. Therefore, the chart is the most reliable source of information.
The Market Has 3 Trends
Primary Trend: Lasts for several months to years.
Secondary Trend: Adjustments within the primary trend, usually lasting a few weeks.
Minor Trend: Fluctuates over a few days, less significant.
The Primary Trend Has 3 Phases
Accumulation: Smart investors quietly buy.
Public Participation: Large capital flows in, and the trend becomes clear.
Distribution: Large institutions begin to offload, preparing for reversal.
Indices Must Confirm Each Other
Dow used the industrial and railroad indices; today, this means trends are only valid when multiple markets/inter-markets confirm the same direction.
Volume Confirms the Trend
In an uptrend, volume should increase when the price rises and decrease during corrections. The opposite is true for downtrends.
Trends Continue Until Clear Reversal Signals Appear
Traders shouldn’t try to pick bottoms or tops, but rather follow the trend until there's confirmation of a change.
Practical Significance for Traders:
Helps identify the main trend to follow the big money.
Aids in risk management by avoiding trading against the trend.
Provides a comprehensive view: price, volume, and market phases.
DOW THEORYBack to the Roots: Learn the Theory, Improve Signal
Charles Dow
Before we explore Dow Theory, let’s take a moment to understand who Charles Dow was — and why his ideas still matter today.
Charles Dow wasn’t a financial expert. He was a journalist with a sharp eye for market behavior. In the late 1800s, he began to write about how prices move, how trends form, and what they might mean. His goal was simple: to bring structure and logic to the chaotic world of stock prices.
More importantly, he believed that markets move in trends , and that these trends reflect the collective psychology of all investors. This basic idea became the starting point of technical analysis .
Dow created one of the first stock indexes, which helped investors see the bigger picture instead of focusing only on individual stocks. He also promoted transparency in financial data — long before it was required by law.
In 1889, Dow co-founded The Wall Street Journal, a newspaper that became the voice of financial markets. Through its pages, he published his observations on price behavior, setting the foundation for what would later be known as Dow Theory .
Dow Theory
At the heart of Dow Theory lies a simple but powerful idea:
The market discounts everything.
This means that all known information — earnings reports, interest rates, economic events, political changes, and even future expectations — is already reflected in the price. Price is not random. It is the result of collective investor behavior based on all available knowledge.
Charles Dow didn’t write this exact sentence, but his work clearly reflected this belief. He trusted that by analyzing price movements alone, one could understand the overall direction of the market — because price already includes all the important signals.
Dow and later analysts outlined a set of guiding principles. These are now known as the Six Core Principles of Dow Theory , and they continue to serve as a foundation for modern technical analysis.
The market discounts everything
The market moves in three trends
Major trends have three phases
Averages must confirm each other
Volume confirms the trend
A trend stays in place until it clearly reverses
🔸🔸🔸 The Market Moves in Three Trends 🔸🔸🔸
According to Dow Theory, market movements are not random. Prices move in three different dimensions and time frames: the primary trend , the secondary trend , and the minor (short-term) trend. These three types of movement often occur at the same time. It is very important for an investor to distinguish between them.
The primary trend shows the general direction of the market and can last for months or even years. It’s the major upward or downward movement.
The secondary trend refers to corrections or pullbacks that move in the opposite direction of the primary trend.
The minor trend typically consists of daily or weekly fluctuations and is often considered market “noise.” These short-term movements can occur in the same or opposite direction of the primary trend and may last from a few hours to two or three weeks.
Dow Theory emphasizes that understanding this three-layered structure can protect investors from many mistakes. The theory not only classifies trends but also offers valuable lessons about investor behavior.
It especially highlights the importance of three key principles:
Don’t go against the main trend
Short-term moves can easily confuse traders. Trading against the primary trend often leads to losses. That is why it is crucial to identify the main trend and follow it.
Diversify your exposure
In Dow’s time, technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today, but he still followed multiple indexes (like industrials and transport) to reduce risk. The same principle applies today: investors shouldn’t rely on a single asset — diversification remains a critical part of managing risk.
Define your holding period before entering a trade
Each type of trend comes with a different time expectation. The holding period you choose will play a key role in shaping your trading strategy and aligning it with your financial goals. Instead of debating how long each type of trend should last, it’s more important to define your intended holding period before entering a position.
Your answer to the question “Which holding period suits me?” reflects not only your trading style and lifestyle, but also determines which chart timeframes and indicator timeframes you should use.
🔸🔸🔸 Major Trends Have Three Phases 🔸🔸🔸
According to Dow Theory, major (primary) trends consist of three phases. This structure reflects how investor psychology changes over time and how those emotions are reflected in price action. Regardless of whether the trend is bullish or bearish, each major trend includes these three stages:
Accumulation Phase
The first stage of a bull market often looks like a small bounce during a bear trend. Most people still feel negative about the market. They are afraid to buy again after losing money. Trading volume is low, and prices move in a narrow range. The market stops making new lows, but investors are still unsure. Many have left the market or are very careful now. The price action becomes slow and sideways. It feels boring. But during this quiet time, smart investors slowly start buying. This is how a new trend begins — silently and with doubt.
However, there is no clear signal that a bull market has started. Buying now carries two big risks. First, the market may still go lower. Second, even if a bull trend is coming, no one knows when it will start. How long can you wait while the market does nothing? Holding positions in a flat market has costs — financial, emotional, and missed opportunities elsewhere. That’s why this phase is difficult for most traders to handle.
Public Participation Phase
The market begins to recover, and the broader investor base starts to notice positive changes. News improves, technical indicators give bullish signals. Prices rise, and trading volume increases. This is usually the strongest part of the trend. At this stage, more disciplined and research-driven investors — who follow the market closely — start buying in. They see confirmation in both price action and economic data. Their confidence supports the trend, and momentum grows. The market attracts more attention. Confidence replaces fear. Many investors who stayed out during the earlier phase now feel safer to enter.
Joining the market during this phase is important. The trend is already underway, but there’s still room to grow. Risk is lower than in the early phase, and potential rewards are still high. For many investors, this is the best time to take a position.
Excess Phase
The market enters a phase of excessive optimism. Prices have been rising for a long time, attracting more and more participants. However, during this stage, institutional investors and professional traders who entered earlier begin to gradually take profits.
Although prices remain high, momentum weakens, and the rate of increase slows down. Looking at the volume profile, prices may reach new highs but often without volume support. Technical indicators frequently show bearish divergences. These conditions generate early technical signals that the primary trend may be coming to an end.
🔸🔸🔸 Averages must Confirm Each Other 🔸🔸🔸
According to Dow Theory, a market trend is considered valid only when different indexes move in the same direction. The term “average” here refers to an index or the general direction of a price series. This principle is used to assess whether a price movement is supported by broad market participation.
A single index reaching a new high or low is not enough. For a real and sustainable trend to be confirmed, related indexes are expected to show similar movement and generate signals in the same direction. If this confirmation is missing, the current move may be considered weak or temporary.
How to Analyze It:
Identify related indexes
Choose multiple indexes that represent the same market, sector, or economic domain.
Compare trend direction
Review the price structures of the selected indexes. Are they all showing similar patterns? Did the new highs or lows form around the same time?
Look for confirmation
If multiple indexes form new structures in the same direction (e.g., all make new highs in an uptrend), this increases the validity of the trend.If only one index is moving while others are not participating, confirmation is lacking.
Be cautious without confirmation
When confirmation is missing, trading strategies should be more conservative, or additional signals should be awaited before taking action.
🔸🔸🔸 Volume Confirms the Trend 🔸🔸🔸
According to Dow Theory, the validity of a market trend depends not only on price movement but also on trading volume. For a trend to be considered strong and sustainable, price action should be supported by volume.
Why Is Volume Important?
In a rising market, increasing volume is expected. This indicates growing investor interest and broader participation in the trend.
In a falling market, if the decline happens with high volume, it suggests serious selling pressure and strengthens the trend.
Declining volume may signal a loss of momentum and suggest that the current trend is weakening or nearing its end.
How to Analyze It:
Observe the relationship between price and volume:
Price rising + volume increasing → Strong trend
Price rising + volume decreasing → Lack of confirmation; caution is advised
Check volume during breakouts:
If resistance or highs are broken with strong volume → Reliable signal
If breakouts happen on low volume → May indicate a false move (fakeout)
🔸🔸🔸 A Trend Persists Until a Clear Reversal Occurs 🔸🔸🔸
This core principle of Dow Theory is at the heart of all trend-following strategies.
It states that once a price begins moving in a certain direction, the trend is assumed to continue — until there is clear and technically confirmed evidence that it has ended.
Why Is This Principle Important?
Follow, don’t predict
Instead of guessing what the market will do next, traders stay with the current direction.
Reduces emotional decisions
Trades are based on technical signals, not assumptions like “the price is too high, it must fall.”
A weak trend is not the same as a reversal
Not every pullback means the trend is over. You need clear confirmation before assuming a reversal — such as a breakdown, volume shift, momentum loss, or structural change.
How to Apply It
First, identify the trend direction clearly, and trade in that direction.
Pullbacks are seen as normal movements within the trend — not as reversals.
Even when signs of a reversal appear, wait for confirmation before acting.
Confirmation signals may include:
Failure to form new highs or lows
A break of previous support or resistance
Sudden drop in volume or volume rising in the opposite direction
Weakness or divergence in momentum indicators
Strategic Benefit
This principle is especially useful in trend-following strategies. It helps avoid premature exits and allows traders to stay in profitable trends longer. By focusing on technical confirmation instead of speculation or panic, it encourages disciplined and systematic decision-making.
ChoCH: The Quiet Shift Most Traders Ignore“Most traders chase price. Few notice when price quietly turns around.”
Before a trend ends, before a breakout fails, before a setup forms —
There’s often a silent clue: Change of Character (ChoCH) .
What is ChoCH?
Change of Character marks the first structural sign that the market may be reversing — not continuing.
It’s a break in the internal rhythm of price, often happening after a liquidity sweep or inside a key zone.
In simpler terms:
BoS = Continuation
ChoCH = Potential Reversal
Most traders treat ChoCH like a green light to enter... but that’s a mistake.
ChoCH alone doesn’t mean a trend is ready to reverse.
It only tells you the current trend has paused or cracked — not ended.
What matters more is:
– Where the ChoCH happens
– Why it happens
– What came before it
This is where context matters.
How I Use ChoCH in My Trading Framework:
My approach is built around multi-timeframe structure:
✅ H4 – Bias
✅ M15 – Setup Alignment
✅ M1 – Sniper Entry
So when I see a ChoCH on M15 , I ask:
Does this align with my H4 bias ?
Has price entered a key zone or swept liquidity before the shift?
If yes — I start watching closely.
If no — it’s likely just noise.
ChoCH without narrative is just confusion.
BoS vs ChoCH – Know the Difference:
• BoS (Break of Structure) confirms trend continuation
• ChoCH (Change of Character) hints at a trend shift
• They look similar on a chart — but their implications are opposite
Mistake to avoid: Entering just because ChoCH appeared
Better approach: Let it warn you , not trap you
🪞 Final Thought:
ChoCH is not an entry. It’s an invitation.
A quiet shift the market offers only to those still enough to see it.
Some notice it.
Fewer understand it.
Even fewer know what to do after.
That’s the difference between recognizing a change… and trading it with conviction.
💬 If this spoke to you, share your thoughts below.
There’s more beneath the surface — tell me what direction you'd like to explore next.
Some of the most powerful methods I use aren’t shared openly — but those who’ve seen them know why.
You’ll know where to look if it’s meant for you.
📘 Shared by @ChartIsMirror
Market Structure is Not Strategy — It’s Your Starting Point“The chart doesn’t hide anything. But your mind does.”
Before any indicator, setup, or signal… comes structure.
🔍 What is Market Structure?
At its core, market structure is the sequence of higher highs (HH) and higher lows (HL) in an uptrend, or lower lows (LL) and lower highs (LH) in a downtrend.
It is the skeleton of price .
Everything else — entries, zones, signals — is just clothing.
If you can’t see the skeleton, you’re reacting to noise.
🎯 Why It Matters:
It’s not a signal. It’s context .
It tells you whether you’re trading with the market or against it .
It defines where your patience begins — not where your entry is.
Market structure helps you let go of the urge to chase. It brings order to the chaos.
🧩 Key Components to Track:
Break of Structure (BoS): Confirms trend continuation
Change of Character (ChoCH): Signals a potential reversal
Swing Points: Define the intent behind price moves
Liquidity Sweeps: Often mask real structure beneath short-term traps
🛑 Common Mistake:
Most traders jump straight to the setup without asking the most important question:
“Where am I in the structure?”
They try to buy a pullback — in a downtrend.
They try to fade a move — right before continuation.
They chase candles — instead of waiting for alignment.
That’s not strategy. That’s stress.
🛠 Tip to Practice:
Use this simple framework to build clarity:
Start from the H4 chart — this gives you the broader directional bias
Drop to M15 — here’s where structure begins to form tradeable setups
Finally zoom into M1 — this is where confirmation happens before entry
Ask yourself:
Where did the last BoS or ChoCH happen on each timeframe?
Is M15 aligning with H4 intent — or contradicting it?
Did you enter after M1 confirmation , or based on impulse?
You don’t need to predict price. You need to align with it.
🪞 Final Thought:
Structure isn’t strategy.
It’s the mirror that shows what’s real before your bias speaks.
When you master structure, you stop forcing trades — and start flowing with them.
💬 Want more like this?
If this post resonated with you — drop a comment below.
Let me know what you'd like to dive deeper into — price action, gold setups, market structure, or the psychology behind your trades.
I’ll build future tutorials based on what matters to you.
📘 Shared by @ChartIsMirror
Welcome Back! Gold Trading Strategy & Key Zones to WatchIn this week’s welcome back video, I’m breaking down my updated approach to XAU/USD and how I plan to tackle the Gold markets in the coming days. After taking a short break, I’m back with fresh eyes and refined focus.
We’ll review current market structure, identify key liquidity zones, and outline the scenarios I’m watching for potential entries. Whether you’re day trading or swing trading gold, this breakdown will help you frame your week with clarity and confidence.
📌 Covered in this video:
My refreshed trading mindset after a break
Key support/resistance and liquidity zones
Market structure insights and setup conditions
What I’ll personally avoid this week
The “trap zones” that might catch retail traders off guard
🧠 Let’s focus on process over profits — welcome back, and let’s get to work.
The 3-Method Framework: Simplifying Technical AnalysisMost traders get caught up in complex indicator setups, thinking that more tools equal better results. We rely on moving averages to tell us if prices are trending up or down, and we depend on support and resistance levels to predict market movement. But what if I told you there's a simpler, more powerful way to read the market using pure price action?
Today, I want to share my experience and understanding of bias and expectations for the next candle formation. This approach is refreshingly simple because we don't need to understand every single price movement - we just need to focus on what matters most.
Method 1: Opening Price Comparison
The first method is beautifully straightforward. For a bullish bias, the current opening price should be above the previous opening price. That's it. Sounds almost too simple, right? But simplicity often holds the greatest power in trading.
For Gold yesterday, we simply needed to compare the latest opening price on the Daily timeframe with the previous opening price. It's that simple.
Method 2: Mid-Level Analysis
The second approach involves comparing mid-levels between candles. We compare the mid-level of the previous candle with the mid-level of the candle before that. I know it might sound a bit complicated when explained this way, but once you visualize it on your chart, the concept becomes crystal clear.
Still on Gold, we just compare the 50% or mid-level of the previous candle with the candle two periods back from the latest candle on the daily chart.
Method 3: Expansion Expectations
The third method helps us anticipate expansion in price. Traditional complex methods require analyzing numerous factors, but this simplified approach only needs two candles before the current one. Here's how it works: we use the high and low of the candle two periods back, and the open and close (body) of the previous candle. If the previous candle's body sits within the high-low range of the two-candle-back formation, we can expect price expansion.
The beauty of this method is that we don't care whether the price is bullish or bearish - we simply expect expansion to occur. Think of it like a compressed spring: when price gets squeezed within a previous range, it often seeks to break out in either direction. We're not predicting the direction, just the likelihood of significant movement.
Still on Gold, I randomly selected all inside candles on the Daily timeframe. Remember, the purpose is only to expect expansion, not direction. If you want to use this for directional bias, make sure you apply the additional analysis required.
Remember, there are no guarantees in trading, but this method provides valuable insight into potential market expansion.
Advanced Combinations for Enhanced Analysis
Combining Methods 1 and 2 creates our most accessible approach since you only need two candles. When both the opening price and mid-point from two candles ago indicate bullish conditions, we can expect the current candle to follow an OLHC bullish pattern.
You can see the 3 examples I've provided in the image, and all of these are applicable across all timeframes, both daily and 4-hour.
Combining all three methods offers a more sophisticated analysis, particularly useful for anticipating market reversals. This involves marking the current and previous opening prices, comparing mid-levels from the last two candles, and identifying the high/low range from two to three candles back.
Now I'm adding Inside Candles from 2-3 periods back (My personal rule is maximum 3 candles before the current candle, or this analysis will lead to analysis paralysis).
The Bullish and Bearish Rules
Bullish Rule 1:
Opening price above the previous opening price
Mid-level of the previous candle above the mid-level of the previous candle before that.
Inside candle formation (optional)
Bearish Rule 1:
Opening price below the previous opening price
Mid-level of the previous candle below the mid-level of the previous candle before that.
Inside candle formation (optional)
The Secret Sauce: Timeframe Harmony
Here's where the "devil is in the details" comes into play. You might find perfect bullish conditions on your chart, but the market still reverses. The secret lies in using this method on Daily and 4-hour timeframes simultaneously.
Simply understand it from the chart.
Simply understand it from the chart.
If Rule 1 conditions are met on the daily chart, they must also align on the 4-hour chart. When the 4-hour contradicts the daily, follow the 4-hour signal as it might indicate a "sell on strength" or "buy on weakness" scenario.
The formula is simple: must align with
I've never tested this on 1-hour charts because the Daily and 4-hour combination provides sufficient accuracy for my trading approach.
Enhanced Rules for Precision
Rule 2 makes the inside candle formation mandatory rather than optional. Sometimes you'll encounter mixed signals where the mid-level suggests one direction while the opening price suggests another. The solution? Drop down to a lower timeframe for additional confirmation.
I don't recommend using this method below the 4-hour timeframe, but you can certainly apply it to Monthly or Weekly charts for long-term bias determination. The key is analyzing both Daily AND 4-hour timeframes together, not just one or the other.
When timeframes conflict, often just one key level provides the confirmation you need - typically a previous Monthly or Weekly high or low.
Final Thoughts
Pure price action mastery isn't about having the most sophisticated setup or the most indicators on your chart. It's about understanding the fundamental relationship between opening prices, mid-levels, and candle formations across meaningful timeframes.
This approach has served me well because it cuts through market noise and focuses on what price is actually telling us. Start with these three methods, practice identifying the patterns, and gradually build your confidence in reading pure price action.
Remember, consistent profitability comes from mastering simple, reliable methods rather than chasing complex strategies. Keep practicing, stay disciplined, and let price action guide your trading decisions.
Good Luck! :)
What is Dynamic Support and Resistance Levels & Zones in Forex
Dynamic supports and resistances play a crucial role in technical analysis.
Unlike classic supports and resistances, these zones change and adapt to a market price action in real time.
Learn what is dynamic support and resistance in Forex, Gold trading and how to find it easily.
Discover its main types and real market examples.
Let's start with the basics.
There are 2 major types of supports and resistances in technical analysis.
The first type is called static .
Such supports and resistances are fixed and don't change with time.
It should be strictly horizontal key levels or the zones.
Market price action and momentum beyond them do not affect these supports and resistances.
In the example above, you can find static supports and resistances on Gold. The market may return to one of those levels or the zones today, tomorrow or in a month, but it will not move.
In comparison to static supports and resistances, the dynamic ones shift with time. They constantly change and adjust as the time flies.
One of the obvious types of dynamic supports and resistances is a trend line.
Above is the example of a dynamic rising support based on trend line.
As the time goes, a support shifts and becomes higher and higher.
I found a great example of a dynamic resistance on Dollar Index.
Depending on the moment when the price tests that, the resistance will be on different levels.
The later the price tests the trend line, the lower is the resistance.
When newbie traders learn dynamic supports and resistances, they usually stop on trend lines.
But it is just a beginning.
Really significant dynamic supports are resistances will be the zones .
The areas based on static horizontal supports and resistances and trend lines.
Examine a price action on GBPCHF forex pair.
We have a static horizontal support area and a dynamic rising trend line.
Two supports intersect, composing a contracting dynamic support zone.
With time, it will become narrower, accumulating buy orders within.
On NZDCAD forex pair, I underlined a contracting dynamic resistance zone that is based on an intersection of a static horizontal resistance area and a falling trend line.
Selling orders will be distributed within.
The 2 dynamic support and resistance zones that we discussed are narrowing , but that is not always the case.
A dynamic support zone that I found on GBPNZD is expanding and broaden with time.
It is based on a dynamic falling trend line and a static horizontal support.
With time its boundaries will be wider and a bullish reaction may initiate from any level within that.
A dynamic resistance area that I spotted on EURCAD forex pair is a great example of an expanding resistance.
It is based on a static horizontal resistance and a rising trend line.
We can easily recognize how it grows with time.
Of course, another types of dynamic supports and resistances exist. But they are more nuanced and rare.
As soon as you learn to recognize the clusters that we discussed in this article, you will be able to recognize the less obvious ones as well.
Next time, when you execute a support and resistance analysis, try to find a dynamic zone. You can find it on any time frame, and forex pair and gold, and it will completely change your perspective on the market.
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I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
My Ideal Elliott Wave Entry ModelThe IMSETT 3/C Entry Model.
Every trader wants to catch the big moves the ones that pay quickly and decisively. In Elliott Wave, those moves often come during Wave 3. It's the strongest part of the trend, and when you're positioned early, the risk-to-reward is unmatched.
But not every opportunity hands you a clean Wave 3 on a silver platter. Sometimes you’re looking at a Wave C instead. That’s where the 3/C Entry Model comes in. It’s designed to get you aligned with high-conviction moves—whether the market is in a trend or a zig zag.
Here’s the edge: both Wave 3 and Wave C often start the same way—a strong, motive push off an AOI (area of interest), followed by a retracement. That shared structure gives us an anchor. Whether we’re labeling it a 3 or a C doesn’t change the fact that the initial impulse gives us clarity, direction, and a place to manage risk.
That’s what the IMSETT Model is built around:
Identify
Motive
Scout
Entry Plan
Track
Trade
Each step is focused, actionable, and repeatable. You're not trying to outguess the market—you’re reacting to structure, preparing for common behavior, and executing with intent.
I do have a video with a walk through.
This just the way I look for clarity in setups. As with everything in trading, nothing will work every time so do your own research this is not financial advice.
Cheers!
Trade Safe, Trade Clarity.
Master the Trio => to Level Up Your Trading🧠Most traders obsess over chart patterns and price action—but lasting success comes from mastering three pillars together:
Technical Analysis. Risk Management. Trading Psychology.
Miss one, and the structure collapses.
Let’s dive into each one, and see how they work together like a high-performance trading engine:
📈 1. Technical Analysis – Think in Layers, Not Lines
Most traders draw lines. Great traders read behavior.
Instead of asking “Is this support holding?”, ask “Why would smart money defend this level?”
Markets aren’t driven by lines—they’re driven by liquidity, trapped traders, and imbalances. That’s why:
A fakeout isn’t failure—it’s often a feature.
A breakout isn’t a buy signal—it’s bait.
Trendlines aren’t magic—they’re just visualizations of collective bias.
🔍 Advanced tip: When analyzing a chart, map out:
Where liquidity is resting (above equal highs/lows, tight consolidations)
Who’s likely trapped (late buyers at resistance, early sellers during accumulation)
Where the market must not go if your bias is correct (invalidations)
The real edge? Seeing the chart as a battle of intentions, not just candles.
🛡️ 2. Risk Management – Your License to Play the Game
Every trade is a bet. But without proper risk, it’s a gamble.
Risk management isn’t just about stop losses—it’s about position sizing, asymmetry, and survival.
I risk no more than 1% per trade , regardless of conviction.
I aim for 2R minimum —because even with a 50% win rate, I still grow.
I define my invalidation before I enter, never after.
You can’t control the outcome, but you can control your exposure. That’s professional.
🧠 3. Trading Psychology – Where Most Traders Break
You can have the perfect setup and smart risk, but still sabotage yourself.
Why? Because emotion overrides logic —especially when money is on the line.
Ever moved your stop? Chased a candle? Closed a trade too early, only to see it hit your TP later?
That’s not lack of skill—it’s lack of emotional discipline.
What works for me:
Journaling every trade—not just the result, but how I felt
Practicing “sit tight” discipline after entries
Reminding myself that no single trade matters—only the process does
You don’t trade the chart—you trade your beliefs about the chart. Master yourself first.
🔄 Final Thoughts
Trading isn’t just about entries.
It’s a mental game played on financial charts, where edge lies in understanding market mechanics, protecting capital, and staying emotionally grounded.
TA shows you the “what”
Risk shows you the “how much”
Psychology decides the “how well”
Master all three—and you’ll separate yourself from 95% of traders.
💬 Which of the three is your strongest? And which one needs more work?
Let’s grow together—drop your thoughts in the comments 👇
All Strategies Are Good; If Managed Properly!
~Richard Nasr
Best Free Volatility Indicator on TradingView for Gold Forex
This free technical indicator will help you easily measure the market volatility on Forex, Gold or any other market.
It will show you when the market is quiet , when it's active and when it's dangerous .
We will go through the settings of this indicator, and you will learn how to set it up on TradingView.
Historical Volatility Indicator
This technical indicator is called Historical Volatility.
It is absolutely free and available on TradingView, MetaTrader 4/5 and other popular trading terminals.
TradingView Setup
Let me show you how to find it on TradingView and add it to your price chart.
Open a technical price chart on TradingView and open the "Indicators" menu (you will find it at the top of the screen).
Search "Historical Volatility" and click on it.
It will automatically appear on your chart.
"Length" parameter will define how many candles the indicator will take for measuring the average volatility. (I recommend keeping the default number, but if you need longer/shorter-term volatility, you can play with that)
Timeframe drop-down list defines what time frame the indicator takes for measuring the volatility. (I recommend choosing a daily timeframe)
And keep the checkboxes unchanged .
How to Use the Indicator
Now, let me show you how to use it properly.
Wider the indicator and analyse its movement at least for the last 4 months.
Find the volatility range - its low levels will be based on the lower boundary of the range, high levels will be based on its upper boundary.
This is an example of such a range on USDCAD pair.
When the volatility stays within the range, it is your safe time to trade.
When volatility approaches its lows, it may indicate that the market might be slow .
Highs of the range imply that the market is very active
In-between will mean a healthy market.
The Extremes
The violation of a volatility range to the downside is the signal that the market is very slow . This would be the recommended period to not trade because of high chance of occurrence of fakeouts.
An upward breakout of a voliatlity range is the signal of the extreme volatility . It will signify that the market is unstable , and it will be better to let it calm down before placing any trade.
Volatility Analysis
That is how a complete volatility analysis should look.
At the moment, volatility reached extreme levels on CADJPY pair.
The best strategy will be to wait till it returns within the range.
Remember This
With the current geopolitical uncertainty and trade wars, market volatility reaches the extreme levels.
Such a volatility is very dangerous , especially for newbie traders.
Historical volatility technical indicator will help you to easily spot the best period for trading and the moment when it is better to stay away.
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I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
When and How to Use Weekly Time Frame in Gold Forex Trading
Ignoring weekly time frame chart analysis could cost you big losses in Forex, Gold trading!
Discover 3 specific cases when weekly time frame beats daily time frame analysis.
Learn the situations when weekly timeframe exposes what daily charts can’t, how to analyze it properly and when to check it.
1. Long-term historic levels
When the market trades in a strong bullish or bearish trend and goes beyond recent historic levels, quite often the daily time frame will not be sufficient for the identification of significant supports and resistances.
The proven way to identify the next meaningful levels will be to analyze a weekly time frame.
Examine a price action on EURAUD forex pair on a daily time frame chart. The market is trading in a strong bullish trend and just updated the high.
Checking the historic price action, we don't see any historic resistance on the left.
Switching to a weekly time frame chart, we can easily recognize a historic resistance that the price respected 5 years ago.
That's a perfect example when weekly t.f revealed a historic price action that a daily didn't.
2. Trend-lines
Weekly time frame analysis is important not only for a search of historic levels. It can help you find significant vertical structures - the trend lines.
We can easily find several meaningful historic resistances on EURUSD pair on a daily time frame.
Though, there are a lot of historic structures there, let's check if there are some hidden structures on a weekly.
Weekly time frame reveals 2 important trend lines, one being a vertical support and another being a vertical resistance.
With a daily time frame analysis, these trend lines would be missed .
3. More accurate breakout confirmations
Some false support and resistance breakouts that you see on a daily could be easily avoided with a weekly time frame analysis.
Quite regularly, a daily time frame support or resistance is in fact a weekly structure. And for its breakout, a weekly candle close will provide more accurate confirmation.
From a daily time frame perspective, we see a confirmed breakout - a daily candle close above a solid resistance zone.
It provides a strong bullish signal on AUDUSD forex pair.
However, the violation turned out to be false and dropped.
Such a false breakout , could be easily avoided, checking a weekly time frame chart.
The underlined resistance is in fact a weekly structure.
The price did not manage to close above, and perfectly respected that, starting to fall after its test.
Such a deeper analysis would completely change our bias from strong bullish (based solely on a daily) to strongly bearish (based on a daily AND weekly)
Remember This
Do not ignore and always check a weekly time frame.
It shows a unique perspective on the market and reveals a lot of hidden elements that you would not notice.
No matter whether you are a scalper, day trader or swing trader,
remember that weekly time frame structures are very impactful and accumulate large trading volumes.
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I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Multi-Time Frame Analysis (MTF) — Explained SimplyWant to level up your trading decisions? Mastering Multi-Time Frame Analysis helps you see the market more clearly and align your trades with the bigger picture.
Here’s how to break it down:
🔹 What is MTF Analysis?
It’s the process of analyzing a chart using different time frames to understand market direction and behavior more clearly.
👉 Example: You spot a trade setup on the 15m chart, but you confirm trend and structure using the 1H and Daily charts.
🔹 Why Use It?
✅ Avoids tunnel vision
✅ Aligns your trades with the larger trend
✅ Confirms or filters out weak setups
✅ Helps you find strong support/resistance zones across time frames
🔹 The 3-Level MTF Framework
Use this to structure your chart analysis effectively:
Higher Time Frame (HTF) → Trend Direction & Key Levels
📅 (e.g., Daily or Weekly)
Mid Time Frame (MTF) → Structure & Confirmation
🕐 (e.g., 4H or 1H)
Lower Time Frame (LTF) → Entry Timing
⏱ (e.g., 15m or 5m)
🚀 If you’re not using MTF analysis, you might be missing critical market signals. Start implementing it into your strategy and notice the clarity it brings.
💬 Drop a comment if you want to see live trade examples using this method!
How to use advanced candlestick anatomy in trading: CADJPYEvery candlestick on the chart is made up of different or multiple candles on the lower timeframe. For example, a weekly candle is made up of seven daily candles. While a 4 hours candle is made up of four 1 hour candles. Understanding how these candles contribute to the formation of a single or more candlesticks will go a long way in improving our performance.
Candlestick anatomy has to do with the formation of candlestick on the chart and the implication of such candlestick. Conventionally, common candlesticks are engulfing candlestick, doji, evening star, hammer, pin bar and the rest. Some signify continuation while others are meant for reversal. The formation of these candlesticks at key levels provide an helpful insights into understanding the next market move. Hence, they can serve as confluence and confirmation for our trading decision.
Taking this further a bit, by examining these candlesticks, one can get to understand better a precise point for entry and exit. This may be new to a retail trader who trades just the candlestick while it will provide more insights for anyone looking for ways to optimize his performance.
As a case study, I had a sell setup on CADJPY and it gave a bearish engulfing candlestick on 1 hour timeframe as a confirmation for selling. Instead of entering the trade after the bearish candle closed, I changed to 5 minutes timeframe to examine the anatomy of the candlestick. Then, I discovered that there was sweep and change of character. Based on the price narrative on 5 minutes timeframe, then trading decision was made using the 5 minutes timeframe, targeting 3 RR. If 1 hour timeframe had been used for taking the trade, one is likely to have lost the profit by now.
Candlestick anatomy will help you to optimize your performance and returns.
I hope you've learnt something helpful from this post.
Thanks.
Fatai Kareem, Kof T Fx.
Learn TOP 3 Elements of a Perfect SWING TRADE (GOLD, FOREX)
In the today's post, I will share with you a formula of ideal swing trading setup.
✔️Element 1 - Market Trend
When you are planning a swing trade, it is highly recommendable that the direction of your trade would match with the direction of the market trend.
If the market is trading in a bullish trend, you should look for buying the market while if the market is bearish, you should look for shorting.
Take a look at CHFJPY pair on a daily. Obviously, the market is trading in a bullish trend and your should look for swing BUYING opportunity.
✔️Element 2 - Key Level
You should look for a trading opportunity from a key structure.
IF the market is bullish, you should look for buying from a key horizontal or vertical SUPPORT, WHILE if the market is bearish, you should look for shorting from a key horizontal or vertical RESISTANCE.
CHFJPY is currently approaching a rising trend line - a key vertical support.
Please, note that if the price is NOT on a key structure, you should patiently wait for the test of the closest one.
✔️Element 3 - Confirmation
Once the market is on a key level, do not open a trading position blindly. Look for a confirmation - for the sign of strength of the buyers, if you want to buy or for the sign of strength of the sellers, if you are planning to short.
There are dozens of confirmation strategies, one of the most accurate is the price action confirmation.
Analyzing a 4H time frame on CHFJPY, we can spot a falling wedge pattern. While the price is stuck within that, the minor trend remains bearish. Bullish breakout of the resistance of the wedge will be the important sign of strength of the buyers and can be your strong bullish confirmation.
Following these 3 conditions, you will achieve high win rate in swing trading. Try these techniques yourself and good luck in your trading journey.
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I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
What Makes a Chart Tradable – Part TwoIn the previous post , we explored the foundations of technical trading. We examined how market behavior can appear structured even when it results from randomness, how bias affects interpretation and how volatility persistence helps explain why certain moves tend to cluster rather than appear in isolation. This post builds on that foundation by focusing on how to recognize meaningful movement and determine whether a chart structure is tradable.
Technical charts often present a wide range of setups, patterns, and interpretations. But a core distinction must be made between coincidental formations and actual price behavior driven by imbalance. Not all movements are equal, and recognizing the difference between random fluctuation and purposeful structure is essential.
A common assumption in technical analysis is that certain patterns or shapes inherently provide a specific outcome. This assumption is problematic without a defined context. The ability to recognize a flag or wedge does not imply statistical validity. For a price movement to be tradable, there should be characteristics that suggest underlying buying or selling pressure.
Unusual Movement
To determine whether a price move is meaningful, it must be assessed in relation to what is typical for that market. All assets have their own average range, pace and rhythm. When price breaks from that baseline through unusually strong or sustained movement, it can signal momentum or imbalance.
What makes these moves relevant is not their size alone, but the fact that they differ from normal behavior. This kind of shift may reflect changes in supply and demand or a reaction to new information. Such movements could mark a change in behavior and can serve as reference points. Their value lies in being statistically uncommon, which may suggest that market conditions have changed.
Pullbacks as Rebalance
Following strong directional movement, price tends to enter a state of reversion or pause. This is known as a pullback, a controlled retracement .It is not merely a pause. It reflects a psychological reset and the temporary rebalancing of order flow in response to imbalance.
Not all pullbacks are viable. For a setup to be considered tradable, the retracement must occur in the context of a meaningful prior move. When the underlying trend is intact and the pullback is controlled, the structure can offer a more reliable opportunity.
The Role of Standardization
Trading should be based on discretion. It involves interpretation, context and deliberate decision-making. But without structure, it risks becoming inconsistent and reactive.
Therefore movement and momentum should be measurable. What appears meaningful must be evaluated relative to the asset’s own historical behavior, not assumed based on surface-level appearance. Without a reference, the evaluation may lack foundation.
Measurement supports model building. Standardization supports disciplined execution. A trader might believe a move is strong based on visual cues or pattern familiarity, but if it lacks historical context or fails to meet defined criteria, that evaluation could be flawed.
Framework and Models
There are categories of tools that can be incorporated to support standardization. The choice is not fixed and should be based on personal preference, methods and research. Example:
Volatility Measure: Could be used to confirm when price moves outside a volatility-based envelope, indicating movement beyond the average range.
Momentum Measure: Could be used to confirm whether current price action is faster or stronger compared to recent historical behavior.
Such models are used to define context, not to predict outcomes. They help standardize analysis and filter out questionable movements and patterns.
Conclusion
The textbook patterns often referenced on their own do not create edge. Tradable charts are those where meaningful movement, defined by momentum, imbalance and structure, can be observed and evaluated using standardized methods. The purpose is not precision but repeatability. Discretionary trading is built on contextual evaluation supported by consistency and objective tools.
Are You Using Technical Indicators All Wrong?Most indicators aren’t broken. Most traders use them wrong.
Thousands of traders rely on RSI, MACD, and moving averages — and most of them still lose money. Why? Because they use tools the wrong way, in the wrong context, with the wrong mindset.
Let’s break it down:
1. Indicators don’t predict — they react.
RSI hitting 30 doesn’t mean “buy”. It means selling pressure dominated recently.
2. One tool ≠ one strategy.
MACD or CCI alone won’t build you a system. Context, confluence, and confirmation matter.
3. Emotional confirmation kills discipline.
Seeing RSI 70 after price moves doesn’t mean you’re late. It means your emotions want to join the move — not your logic.
🚨 Solution?
Use indicators as filters, not triggers.
Build rules. Track what works. Trade the system — not your excitement.
Want to see more posts like this? Let us know — We're preparing a series of deep-dives into indicator psychology and structure.
Learn KEY PRINCIPLES of Technical Analysis in Gold Forex Trading
In the today's article, we will discuss the absolute basics of trading - 3 key principles of technical analysis in Forex & Gold Trading.
1️⃣History Repeats
History tends to repeat itself in the Forex market.
Certain trends are cyclical and may reemerge in a predictable manner, certain key levels are respected again and again over time.
Take a look at the example:
Silver perfectly respected a historical horizontal resistance in 2011 that was respected in 1980 already. Moreover, the price action before and after the tests of the underlined zone were absolutely identical.
2️⃣Priced In
All relevant information about a currency pair: economical and political events, rumors, and facts; is already reflected in a price.
When the FED increased the rate 26th of July by 25 bp, EURUSD bounced instead of falling. Before the rate hike, the market was going down on EXPECTATIONS of a rate hike. The release of the news was already price in.
3️⃣Pattern DO Work
Some specific price models can be applied for predicting the future price movements.
Technicians strongly believe that certain formations - being applied and interpreted properly, can give the edge on the market.
Depending on the trading style, different categories of patterns exist: harmonic patterns, price action patterns, wave patterns, candlestick patterns...
Above, I have listed various price action patterns that are applied by many traders and investors as the main tool for analyzing the financial markets.
If you believe in these 3 principles, you are an inborn technician!
Study technical analysis and learn to apply these principles to make money in trading.
b]❤️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 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.
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.