Global Stock Market IndicesIntroduction
When people talk about “the market going up” or “the market crashing,” they are usually referring to a stock market index rather than individual stocks. Indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225, or Sensex are names that investors, traders, and even common people hear almost daily in financial news.
But what exactly are these indices? Why are they so important? And why do global investors track them so closely?
In this article, we will explore everything about Global Stock Market Indices – their definition, types, major global benchmarks, importance in global finance, and how they influence investment decisions.
1. What is a Stock Market Index?
A stock market index is basically a measurement tool that tracks the performance of a group of selected stocks. These stocks represent either a market, a sector, or a theme.
Imagine an index as a basket of stocks chosen to represent a larger part of the economy.
For example, India’s Sensex tracks 30 large, financially strong companies from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Similarly, the S&P 500 tracks 500 of the largest U.S. companies.
The purpose of indices is to give investors and policymakers a quick snapshot of how a market is performing without analyzing thousands of individual stocks.
Key Features of Indices
Representation – They represent a portion of the economy (large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, or sectoral).
Benchmark – Used as a benchmark to measure portfolio or fund performance.
Economic Indicator – Indices reflect overall economic health and investor sentiment.
Passive Investment Tool – Many funds (like ETFs) simply mimic indices instead of picking individual stocks.
2. How Are Indices Constructed?
Indices are not random; they are carefully designed using certain methodologies:
a) Market Capitalization Weighted
Stocks are given weight based on their market capitalization (price × number of shares).
Example: S&P 500, Nifty 50.
Larger companies influence index movement more.
b) Price Weighted
Stocks with higher price per share have greater weight, regardless of company size.
Example: Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA).
c) Equal Weighted
Every stock in the index has equal weight.
Provides a more balanced view of all companies.
d) Sectoral or Thematic
Some indices focus on specific industries like IT, banking, or energy.
Example: NASDAQ 100 has a heavy focus on technology companies.
3. Why Are Stock Market Indices Important?
Benchmark for Investors – Investors compare their portfolio returns with indices to check performance.
Example: If Nifty 50 gave 12% returns and your mutual fund gave 9%, the fund underperformed.
Economic Sentiment Gauge – Indices reflect how investors feel about the economy. Rising indices = confidence, falling indices = fear.
Helps Passive Investing – Index funds and ETFs directly replicate indices, making investing simple.
Risk Diversification – Indices spread risk across multiple companies and sectors.
Global Influence – Movement in one country’s major index often affects others (e.g., U.S. indices influence global markets).
4. Major Global Stock Market Indices
Let’s go around the world and understand the top global stock market indices.
United States
The U.S. stock market is the world’s largest and most influential.
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)
Oldest index (founded in 1896).
Tracks 30 blue-chip U.S. companies.
Price-weighted index (high-priced stocks influence more).
Companies include Apple, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs.
Seen as a symbol of American industrial and corporate strength.
S&P 500 (Standard & Poor’s 500)
Tracks 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies.
Market-cap weighted index.
Considered the best single indicator of the U.S. stock market.
Covers ~80% of total U.S. market capitalization.
NASDAQ Composite
Tracks 3,000+ companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange.
Technology-heavy index (Apple, Amazon, Google, Tesla, Meta).
Reflects innovation and tech industry growth.
Russell 2000
Represents 2,000 small-cap U.S. companies.
Often used to gauge investor risk appetite.
Europe
FTSE 100 (UK)
Tracks 100 largest companies listed on London Stock Exchange.
Multinational in nature (oil, mining, banking).
Example: BP, HSBC, Unilever.
DAX (Germany)
Tracks 40 largest German companies listed on Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Represents Europe’s strongest economy.
Includes Siemens, BMW, Allianz.
CAC 40 (France)
Top 40 companies in Paris Stock Exchange.
Example: L’Oréal, TotalEnergies, BNP Paribas.
Euro Stoxx 50
Tracks 50 leading blue-chip companies in Eurozone.
Pan-European benchmark.
Asia-Pacific
Nikkei 225 (Japan)
Tracks 225 large companies listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Price-weighted like Dow Jones.
Key companies: Toyota, Sony, SoftBank.
Shanghai Composite (China)
Tracks all companies on Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Represents China’s domestic A-shares market.
Hang Seng Index (Hong Kong)
Covers 50 major companies in Hong Kong.
Gateway for global investors to track China’s growth.
KOSPI (South Korea)
Korea Composite Stock Price Index.
Includes companies like Samsung, Hyundai, LG.
ASX 200 (Australia)
Tracks 200 top Australian companies.
Mining and banking heavy.
Sensex & Nifty (India)
Sensex: 30 large companies on Bombay Stock Exchange.
Nifty 50: 50 companies on National Stock Exchange.
Represent India’s fast-growing economy.
Other Important Indices
Bovespa (Brazil) – Latin America’s most important index.
MOEX Russia Index (Russia) – Reflects Russian economy, highly energy-driven.
TSX Composite (Canada) – Tracks Canadian companies, resource and banking heavy.
5. Global Indices as Economic Indicators
Stock indices don’t just reflect companies – they mirror entire economies.
U.S. Indices → Global investor sentiment.
Nikkei 225 → Japanese manufacturing & export health.
Sensex & Nifty → India’s emerging market growth.
FTSE 100 → Brexit, European trade, and global commodity movements.
Whenever there’s global turmoil (war, recession, oil shocks), these indices react immediately, and their performance tells the world how economies are coping.
6. Correlation Between Global Indices
In today’s interconnected world, markets are not isolated.
A fall in the Dow Jones often impacts Asian and European markets the next day.
Rising oil prices affect Bovespa, FTSE, and Sensex (energy-heavy economies).
Global crises like COVID-19 led to synchronized market crashes worldwide.
Thus, traders and fund managers track multiple indices daily to understand global trends.
7. Indices in Investment
a) Active vs Passive Investing
Active investors pick stocks individually.
Passive investors buy index funds (like S&P 500 ETFs).
b) ETFs and Mutual Funds
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) mimic indices and trade like stocks.
Example: SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) tracks the S&P 500.
c) Hedging with Indices
Derivatives like futures and options are available on indices.
Example: Traders use Nifty Futures or S&P 500 options to hedge portfolios.
8. Criticisms of Stock Indices
While indices are useful, they have limitations:
Not Full Representation – They track selected companies, not the entire market.
Overweight Bias – Large-cap companies dominate in market-cap weighted indices.
Sector Bias – Tech-heavy indices (like NASDAQ) may give a distorted view.
Price Weighted Flaws – In indices like Dow Jones, a single expensive stock can distort movements.
9. Future of Global Stock Market Indices
The world of indices is evolving with new themes:
Sustainable Indices (ESG) – Tracking environmentally and socially responsible companies.
Example: Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
Thematic Indices – Artificial Intelligence, Green Energy, Blockchain, EVs.
Frontier and Emerging Market Indices – Covering fast-growing but less developed markets.
Crypto Indices – Tracking cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Conclusion
Global Stock Market Indices are more than just numbers on a financial news ticker. They are:
Thermometers of economic health.
Benchmarks for investment performance.
Global connectors influencing money flows.
From the Dow Jones in the U.S. to the Nifty in India, from FTSE in London to Nikkei in Tokyo, these indices form the heartbeat of the global financial system.
Wave Analysis
Best Trading Confirmation. Learn 95% Accurate Entry Signal
I have analyzed 1300 forecasts and signals that I shared on TradingView last year and found 95% accurate trading confirmation.
In this article, we will discuss multiple types of confirmations and their winning rate on Forex, Gold, Indexes, Crypto & Commodities.
First, let me introduce you to the types of analysis that I provided.
1 - Structure based forecast
I have shared more than 55 trading setup with key levels analysis:
Where the price is approaching a key daily horizontal support and resistance.
Here is the example of such a post.
Test of a key horizontal or vertical support/resistance turned out to be a poor trading signal.
Total accuracy of structure based forecasts is 38%.
Please, note that if we consider the market trend in our calculations,
the trend-following structure based setup will be 42% accurate, while a performance of a counter trend setup drops to 35%
2 - Structure breakout based forecast
I analyzed and posted 73 posts with a key structure breakout as a confirmation on a daily.
Above is the example of a such a forecast.
Key levels breakout turned out to be a strong bullish or bearish confirmation with 59% accuracy.
Trend direction did not affect the efficiency of a key structure breakout that much, with a 60% accuracy of a trend following setup versus 57% of counter trend.
3 - Structure based forecast with a single intraday confirmation
I shared more than 500 setups with a test of a key structure on a daily and a single price action based bullish or bearish confirmation on a 4h/1h time frame.
My intraday confirmation is a formation of a price action pattern with a consequent breakout of its neckline/trend line in the projected direction.
Please, check the example of such a signal.
Just a single intraday confirmation dramatically increases the accuracy of a structure based setup.
Average winning rate is 66%.
4 - Structure based forecast with multiple intraday confirmations
I spotted and posted 200+ forecasts with a test of a key structure on a daily and multiple price action based bullish or bearish confirmations on a 4h/1h time frame.
Multiple confirmations imply the formation of multiple price action patterns on 4/1h t.f.
Here is the example of such a setup on EURGBP.
Two or more confirmations on a key structure increase the average winning rate to 72%.
Among multiple confirmations, I found a 95% accurate bearish signal:
The market should be in a bearish trend.
The price should test a key daily structure resistance.
The market should form a rising wedge pattern on a 4h/1h time frames and the highs of the wedge should strictly test the key structure and should not violate them.
After a test of structure, the price should form a bearish price action pattern on the highs of the wedge.
Above is a setup with the best trading confirmation.
A bearish breakout of the neckline of the pattern and a support of the wedge was a 95% accurate trading signal last year.
Of course, there are various confirmations, depending on a trading style. The ones that I shared with you are structure/price action based.
And I am truly impressed by their accuracy.
❤️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.
Emotions vs. StrategyTrading rarely breaks us technically — more often, it breaks us psychologically. Anyone who has ever opened a position knows this feeling: your heart races, your hand wants to close the trade too early, and the thought “What if I was wrong?” keeps gnawing at you. Emotions are a trader’s biggest enemy. And more often than not, they are the true reason for losses, not the market itself.
Imagine this: you open a long, and the price immediately moves against you. Instead of calmly waiting for your pre-set stop-loss, you move it, or worse — remove it altogether. Or the opposite: the trade is profitable, but the fear of losing makes you close far too early. The result? The strategy collapses, trades become chaotic, and the account balance shrinks.
Every trader has had that moment of realization: “I knew what I should have done, I had a plan — but I couldn’t handle the pressure.” That’s the most frustrating part, because knowledge and analysis were there, but discipline failed. And in those moments, you understand that the winners in this game are not the smartest ones — they’re the ones who can stay calm and stick to the system.
What really helps
1. A systematic approach. Trading must be built on an algorithm, not on impulses or guesses. If you have a clear plan — entry, stop-loss, profit targets — the risk of chaotic actions drops dramatically.
2. Writing the rules down. A written plan works better than one you keep “in your head.” Many successful traders keep a trading journal: why they entered, what emotions they felt, where they made mistakes. This builds awareness and helps improve discipline.
3. Automation and tools. Using algorithms that help manage trades takes away most of the emotional burden. Machines don’t hesitate, don’t fear, and don’t regret — they simply act according to conditions.
4. Proper risk management. Emotions flare up when the risk per trade is too large. If a position risks only 1–2% of your account, market swings don’t feel as painful — and that allows you to calmly stick to the plan.
5. Stop-losses and take-profits. These are not only for controlling risk and locking profits — they are tools for peace of mind. A trader who sets them in advance is less likely to act impulsively.
6. Diversification. Putting all of your capital into one trade is the fastest way to emotional burnout. Splitting positions across assets reduces pressure and makes price movements easier to tolerate.
7. Working on emotions directly. Meditation, sports, walks, proper sleep — they might sound trivial, but psychological resilience is built on these habits. A tired trader is far more likely to make poor decisions.
The market is chaotic only for those who approach it without a system. When you have an algorithm that highlights key zones, identifies trend shifts, and guides trade management step by step, emotions fade into the background. This is what transforms trading from a stressful lottery into a structured process. The core idea is simple: cold calculation instead of emotions, an algorithm instead of chaos, technical analysis instead of guesses. Everything else follows from that choice.
How to Properly Use Stop-Loss in TradingStop-loss is one of the simplest yet most underestimated tools in trading. Many beginners see it only as a “loss limiter” and place it randomly. In reality, stop-loss is a core element of a trading system, defining not only the risk size but also the logic behind the trade itself.
What is a stop-loss?
A stop-loss (SL) is a pre-set price level at which your trade closes automatically to limit losses. If you enter a long position, the SL is placed below your entry point. If you go short, it’s set above.
The main purpose of SL is to ensure you never lose more than planned. That’s why experienced traders say: a stop-loss is not just protection against losses — it’s a capital management tool.
Where to place a stop-loss correctly?
The biggest mistake beginners make is placing stops “by guess.” Professionals always base it on market structure. Here are the key principles:
- Beyond support or resistance. In a long, the stop is placed slightly below support; in a short, slightly above resistance.
- Considering volatility. On calm markets, the stop can be tighter. On volatile moves, it’s safer to widen the distance.
- By indicator signals. If an algorithm highlights a key zone, the SL is best hidden in that range.
So, a stop-loss is not a random number, but a logical point where your trade idea becomes invalid.
How does stop-loss relate to risk management?
Another common mistake is ignoring the risk/reward ratio (RRR). Professionals never take trades where the potential loss equals or exceeds the potential profit.
For example, if you go long on BTC at $114,000, set a stop at $112,000 (risk: $2,000), and a target at $118,000 (profit: $4,000), your RRR is 1:2 — a good setup. But if your target is only $115,000 (profit: $1,000), the trade doesn’t make sense since the risk outweighs the reward.
Why is it essential to always use a stop-loss?
Many beginners think: “I’ll close the trade manually when needed.” But markets are faster and harsher. One sudden move can wipe out a position before you react.
That’s why the golden rule is: it’s better to exit on a stop than to lose your account by holding onto losses.
Conclusion
A stop-loss is not “insurance against mistakes” — it’s a strategic tool. It defines the level where your trade idea stops being valid and enforces discipline by removing the temptation to hold onto losses.
Remember: you can’t control price, but you can control your risk. And it’s the stop-loss that turns trading from chaos into a manageable process.
Why Markets Never Move in a Straight LineHello,
Financial markets, by their very nature, do not move in a straight line. Prices fluctuate, trends develop, and corrections occur along the way. While it is tempting to expect that an upward rally will continue indefinitely, the reality is that markets require pauses and pullbacks to remain healthy. As shown in the chart above markets will always pull back (taking breathers as they move up).
One of the primary reasons markets correct is profit-taking. Early investors, who entered positions at lower prices, often choose to lock in gains once prices rise to attractive levels. Their selling creates temporary downward pressure, leading to corrections. This cycle of entry, accumulation, and profit-taking is not a sign of weakness, but rather a natural rhythm of market activity.
Corrections also serve a vital purpose: they prevent markets from overheating. Extended rallies without pauses often create unsustainable valuations, increasing the risk of a sharp reversal. By allowing prices to retrace, corrections provide opportunities for new investors to enter at fairer levels and for existing investors to add to their positions more strategically.
History consistently shows that long-term market growth is built on a series of advances punctuated by corrections. Even in strong bull markets, prices rarely move in a linear fashion. Instead, they climb higher through a stair-step pattern—rising, correcting, consolidating, and then resuming their upward momentum.
For investors, this means corrections should not always be viewed with fear. Instead, they can be seen as opportunities. As Warren Buffett often reminds us, the key is not to follow the crowd into overbought territory but to wait patiently for value.
Recognizing that they cannot move in a straight line equips investors with patience and perspective—two of the most valuable traits in successful investing.
Disclosure: I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Identifying High-Probability Support: The Power of ConvergenceHello Friends,
Welcome to RK_Chaarts
Today we're going to learn Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Convergent Support Zones
Which are High Probability Support areas. This post is for Educational purpose only.
This detailed analysis will walk you through a step-by-step process of combining multiple technical analysis methods to identify a robust support zone. We'll explore how Elliott Wave theory, Anchored VWAP, EMA200, Fibonacci Retracements, and equality to extensions can coincidentally converge on the same support zone.
Step 1: Elliott Wave Analysis
Begin by identifying the Elliott Wave structure. Look for impulse waves, corrective waves, and the relationships between them. In this example:
- Wave Y is potentially completing near the equality zone (100% to 161.8% extension).
- This level marks a potential reversal point.
Support zone as per Elliott Wave theory Analysis
Step 2: Anchored VWAP Analysis
Apply Anchored VWAP to identify key support levels:
- Plot the VWAP from the last swing low and the second-last swing low.
- Note the convergence of these VWAP levels, which can indicate strong support.
Support zone as per Anchored VWAP Analysis
Step 3: EMA200 Analysis
Add the 200-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) to your chart:
- The EMA200 has consistently provided support during previous corrections.
- Note the price approaching this level, increasing the likelihood of a bounce.
Support zone as per 200 Exponantial Moving Average
Step 4: Fibonacci Retracement Analysis
Apply Fibonacci retracements to the previous rally:
- Identify the 50%, 61.8%, and 78.6% retracement levels.
- Note the current fall has already exceeded the 38% retracement.
Support zone as per Fibonacci Retracement Analysis
Step 5: Convergence of Support Zones
Combine the analysis from each step:
- Note the striking convergence of support zones:
- Elliott Wave equality zone (100% to 161.8% extension)
- Anchored VWAP support zone
- EMA200 support level
- Fibonacci retracement zone (50%-61.8%)
Coincidentally all these are providing nearly same Support area (Price zone)
Trading Implications
With the convergence of these multiple analysis methods, you can:
- Identify a high-probability support zone.
- Look for buying opportunities near this zone.
- Monitor price action and market sentiment for confirmation of a reversal.
- Consider scaling into positions or setting limit orders within the support zone.
Important Note: Failure to Hold Support
If the price fails to hold support at this converged zone, it may indicate a stronger bearish trend. In this scenario:
- Be prepared for a potential significant downfall.
- Consider adjusting your trading plan to account for the increased bearish momentum.
- Keep a close eye on price action and market sentiment for further guidance.
By understanding the convergence of these multiple analysis methods and being aware of the potential risks, you'll be better equipped to make informed trading decisions and navigate the markets with confidence.
I am not Sebi registered analyst.
My studies are for educational purpose only.
Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
I am not responsible for any kinds of your profits and your losses.
Most investors treat trading as a hobby because they have a full-time job doing something else.
However, If you treat trading like a business, it will pay you like a business.
If you treat like a hobby, hobbies don't pay, they cost you...!
Hope this post is helpful to community
Thanks
RK💕
Disclaimer and Risk Warning.
The analysis and discussion provided on in.tradingview.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for trading decisions. RK_Chaarts is not an investment adviser and the information provided here should not be taken as professional investment advice. Before buying or selling any investments, securities, or precious metals, it is recommended that you conduct your own due diligence. RK_Chaarts does not share in your profits and will not take responsibility for any losses you may incur. So Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
What Bees Can Teach Us About Trading!At first glance, bees and trading seem worlds apart. But look closer, and you’ll find powerful lessons traders can learn from the hive:
🏗️ Discipline & Structure
Every bee knows its role and sticks to it. Traders too must follow their plan with precision.
🛡️ Risk Management
Forager bees never all leave at once; they manage risk for the colony. Traders should also protect capital and avoid going “all in” on one setup.
🔍 Pattern Recognition
Bees know when and where to collect nectar. Traders rely on recognizing price patterns and market cycles.
⏳ Patience & Consistency
A single bee’s contribution is small, but millions of trips create honey. Trading success also comes from consistent small gains that compound.
🧘 Emotional Control
Bees don’t let fear or greed guide them; they follow their system. The same applies to traders who stay calm and disciplined.
👉 In short: Trade like a bee — structured, patient, and focused on the bigger picture.
📚 Always follow your trading plan regarding entry, risk management, and trade management.
Good luck!
All Strategies Are Good; If Managed Properly!
~Richard Nasr
Disclosure: I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
XAUUSDThe Relative Strength Index (RSI), developed by J. Welles Wilder, is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements.
• Traditionally the RSI is considered overbought when above 70 and may be primed for a trend reversal or corrective pullback in price, and oversold or undervalued condition when below 30. During strong trends, the RSI may remain in overbought or oversold for extended periods.
• Signals can be generated by looking for divergences and failure swings. If underlying prices make a new high or low that isn't confirmed by the RSI, this divergence can signal a price reversal. If the RSI makes a lower high and then follows with a downside move below a previous low, a Top Swing Failure has occurred. If the RSI makes a higher low and then follows with an upside move above a previous high, a Bottom Swing Failure has occurred
• RSI can also be used to identify the general trend. In an uptrend or bull market, the RSI tends to remain in the 40 to 90 range with the 40-50 zone acting as support. During a downtrend or bear market the RSI tends to stay between the 10 to 60 range with the 50-60 zone acting as resistance
This study aim to implement Relative Strength concept on most common Volume indicators, such as
• Accumulation Distribution is a volume based indicator designed to measure underlying supply and demand
• Elder's Force Index (EFI) measures the power behind a price movement using price and volume
• Money Flow Index (MFI) measures buying and selling pressure through analyzing both price and volume (used as it is)
• On Balance Volume (OBV), created by Joe Granville, is a momentum indicator that measures positive and negative volume flow
• Price Volume Trend (PVT) is a momentum based indicator used to measure money flow
Plotting will be performed for regular RSI and RSI of Volume indicator (RSI(VOLX)) selected from the dialog box, where the possibility to apply smoothing is provided as option. Additionally, labels can be added optionally to display the value and name of selected volume indicator
Secondly, ability to present Volume Histogram within the same study along with its Moving Average or Volume Oscillator based on selection
Finally, Volume Based Colored Bars, a study of Kıvanç Özbilgiç is added to emphasis volume changes on top of the bars
Nothing excessively new, the study combines RSI with;
- RSI concept applied to some of the common Volume indicators presented with a highlighted over/under valued threshold area, optional labeling and smoothing,
- added Volume data with additional information and
- colored bars based on volume
Thanks Vishant_Meshram for the inspiration 🙏
How to Do Structure Mapping with Multiple Time Frames Analysis
If you think that structure mapping is not efficient for profitable trading, you get it wrong .
What newbies traders always miss is that structure mapping works effectively only with multiple time frame analysis.
In this article, I will show you how you can build profitable trading plans and accurate predictions on forex market with structure mapping alone.
Learn top-down analysis secrets and how to map structure properly in Smart Money Concepts SMC ICT.
In order to effectively use structure mapping for scalping, day trading and swing trading , always start it from higher time frames.
Examine my complete structure mapping on USDJPY forex pair on a daily time frame.
You can see that first, the pair was trading in a strong bearish trend.
Then, we had a confirmed bullish reversal with Change of Character.
After that, the market started an extended consolidating movement, not being able to update the highs.
And finally, the last bullish wave managed to update a high , confirming a completion of a consolidation and a resumption of a bullish trend.
Structure mapping reveals that USDJPY is now bullish on a daily and the last bearish movement is a correction in uptrend.
We can expect a start of a new bullish wave soon.
To understand when exactly it is going to happen, you will need to dive your analysis deeper .
You should start structure mapping on lower time frames.
And you should execute a price action analysis there in relation to your structure mapping on a higher time frame.
4H time frame structure mapping will reveal a price action within the last bearish move that we spotted on a daily.
We see that the market is trading in a bearish trend and the price started a local correctional movement after a formation of the last low.
4h time frame structure mapping provided a detailed intra week perspective.
Hourly time frame analysis, we reveal hidden intraday trends that will unveil more insights.
And why are we doing all that?
Remember that big waves always start from minor reversals.
The earlier you are able to find strong confirmations, the earlier you will open a trading position and the more profits you will make.
On an hourly time frame, our structure mapping shows that the market is already bullish. A bearish trend that USDJPY followed is already violated, and the price is updating the highs.
Following our analysis, the only thing that we need to confirm a start of a bullish trend is a confirmed trend reversal and a change of character on a 4H time frame.
It will validate an intra week bullish trend.
We will need the price to break the underlined blue resistance based on the last lower high in a bearish trend.
That will provide an accurate signal for us to buy.
And we can anticipate a rise a least to a current daily higher high then.
When you do structure mapping on forex market, never forget to do that on multiple time frames. Multiple perspectives and short-term/mid-term/long-term projections will help you to build a more efficient trading plan.
Remember that you can expand your structure mapping even for minute time frames. It will provide a unique perspective for scalping forex.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
DXY: An Example of Stop Loss Hunting and Why Does it Happen?DXY: An Example of Stop Loss Hunting and Why Does it Happen?
In today's chart I am showing you a typical example of a Stop Loss Hunt..
Many of us very often face the closing of a position without any movement in the market. Usually this happens almost every day at the close of the US market and during the opening of the week.
What happens is not simply an increase or decrease in the price but an increase in the spread by the broker and often without justification at all.
If you complain, they define it as liquidity problems and you are never right. You will not get a refund.
Sometimes these movements are printed on the chart but often there is no trace of them because they do not include the spread of the opening of the market in the price.
I wanted to raise this concern again after seeing that in a broker where I usually post DXY, and had an unjustified increase at a time when the USD pairs have not moved at all.
But even if we look at DXY on other brokers there are no changes.
This is called Stop Loss - Hunting
If you want to avoid these problems, always be careful every day at the closing of the American market around 10:00 PM London Time and at the opening of the market on Sunday at 10 PM London Time.
You may find more details in the chart!
Thank you and Good Luck!
PS: Please support with a like or comment if you find this analysis useful for your trading day
Let's learn & Apply Elliott Wave Rules on chart: BTCUSD BitcoinHello Friends,
Welcome to RK_Chaarts,
Friends, Today we are going to learn 3 Rules of the Elliott Wave theory, there are three principles and some patterns. Impulses move in a 1-2-3-4-5 pattern, either as an impulse or a motive wave. However, within impulses, there are three rules:
Rule No 1:
Wave 2 will never retrace more than 100% of Wave 1.
Rule No 2:
Wave 3 will never be the shortest among Waves 1, 3, and 5; it can be the largest, but never the smallest.
Rule No 3:
Wave 4 cannot overlap Wave 1, except in diagonals or triangles; in impulses, it cannot overlap.
We've checked these three rules and marked them with separate tick marks on the chart with different colors, making them clearly visible. You can review the chart and verify these rules yourself, learning how wave principles are applied and checked.
We've explained all this through a drawing on the chart, so we won't elaborate further here. Moving forward, let's analyze what the wave theory suggests about the current market trend. This entire analysis is shared for Educational purposes only.
I hope you'll consider this educational post as a learning resource, Definitely, I encourage you to review the chart as an image or picture to better understand the concepts we've worked hard to explain.
Our effort will be successful if you gain a deeper understanding and learn something new from this post. If you find this helpful and informative, our hard work will have paid off. Please keep this in mind as you review the material.
Now let's explore how wave counts within wave counts, or lower degrees within higher degrees, unfold through complete wave theory patterns and following theory Rules all the times.
Let's take a closer look at the Bitcoin chart we've analyzed using Elliott Waves. From this perspective, it's clear that the Intermediate Degree Wave (2) concluded around June 23rd.
After this, we observe that the internal wave counts of the lower degree, specifically Wave 1-2-3 (in red) have completed their cycle of Minor degree. Furthermore, Red Wave 4 of same Minor degree has been moving sideways, characterized by a downward trend.
Notably, the fall of Red Wave 4 is classified as a Minor Degree movement. Interestingly, this downward movement appears to have terminated in an even lower degree, namely the Minute Degree, which we've marked in black as ((w))-((x))-((y))-((xx))-((z)) that means Wave 4 of Minor degree (in Red) is complete.
Given that Red Wave 4 Minor has reached its conclusion, it's highly plausible that Wave 5 has initiated. This development suggests that Bitcoin is poised to make a significant move.
Moving on to the analysis, we observe that:
- Rule 1: Wave 2 has not retraced more than 100% of Wave 1, so this rule is intact.
- Rule 2: Wave 3 is not the shortest among Waves 1, 3, and 5, so this rule is also valid.
- Rule 3: Wave 4 does not overlap Wave 1, so this rule is also satisfied.
Bitcoin is all set to shake things up! We eagerly anticipate further rallies in the market.
This post is shared purely for educational purpose & it’s Not a trading advice.
I am not Sebi registered analyst.
My studies are for educational purpose only.
Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
I am not responsible for any kinds of your profits and your losses.
Most investors treat trading as a hobby because they have a full-time job doing something else.
However, If you treat trading like a business, it will pay you like a business.
If you treat like a hobby, hobbies don't pay, they cost you...!
Hope this post is helpful to community
Thanks
RK💕
Disclaimer and Risk Warning.
The analysis and discussion provided on in.tradingview.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for trading decisions. RK_Chaarts is not an investment adviser and the information provided here should not be taken as professional investment advice. Before buying or selling any investments, securities, or precious metals, it is recommended that you conduct your own due diligence. RK_Chaarts does not share in your profits and will not take responsibility for any losses you may incur. So Please Consult your financial advisor before trading or investing.
BNB Binance Coin: Lesson 15 methodology did the job again
Lesson 15 methodology (annotations in sync with the chart):
1. Largest up volume wave after a while - sellers might be in there.
2. Placed AVWAP and waited for price to cross downwards and pullback again on AVWAP
3. HTMU (hard to move up) - Abnormal Speed Index 4.6S at the top
4. Entry short signal PRS with abnormal SI 4.8.2 (price has a hard time to move up - absorption)
Simple as that. Enjoy!
Option Chain AnalysisTable of Contents
Introduction to Option Chain
What Is an Option Chain?
Key Components of an Option Chain
Call vs. Put Options in the Chain
How to Read an Option Chain
Open Interest (OI) Analysis
Implied Volatility (IV) Analysis
Strike Price Selection
Support and Resistance Levels from Option Chain
Option Chain for Intraday & Swing Trading
1. Introduction to Option Chain
In the world of options trading, success is not just about buying calls or puts randomly—it’s about understanding market data. One of the most important tools for analyzing this data is the Option Chain. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced trader, mastering option chain analysis can help you identify market sentiment, key levels, and trading opportunities.
2. What Is an Option Chain?
An Option Chain, also known as an Options Matrix, is a tabular representation of all available option contracts (both Call and Put) for a particular underlying asset—like Nifty, Bank Nifty, Reliance, TCS, etc.—for a specific expiry date.
It shows:
Strike prices
Premiums (Prices)
Open interest (OI)
Volume
Implied volatility (IV)
Bid/ask prices
Think of it like a menu card for options, showing all the possible trades you can take, and key stats about each.
3. Key Components of an Option Chain
✅ Strike Price:
The price at which you can buy (Call) or sell (Put) the underlying asset.
✅ Premium (LTP):
The last traded price (LTP) of the option.
✅ Open Interest (OI):
The number of open contracts for a strike price. Indicates trader interest.
✅ Change in OI:
The change in open positions compared to the previous day.
✅ Volume:
The number of contracts traded in the current session.
✅ Implied Volatility (IV):
Market's expected volatility of the underlying asset.
4. Call vs. Put Options in the Chain
In every option chain, you’ll see two sections:
Call Options (Left side) Put Options (Right side)
Bullish expectation Bearish expectation
Buy if expecting upside Buy if expecting downside
Sell if expecting sideways/down Sell if expecting sideways/up
Usually, the middle column contains strike prices, with Call data on the left and Put data on the right.
5. How to Read an Option Chain
Let’s take an example:
Assume Nifty is trading at 22,200. You look at the Nifty option chain.
You’ll see multiple rows of strike prices (e.g., 22,000, 22,100, 22,200…) and for each, data like LTP, OI, IV.
Look for:
ATM (At-the-money): Closest strike to the current price (22,200).
ITM (In-the-money): For calls, strikes < spot; for puts, strikes > spot.
OTM (Out-of-the-money): For calls, strikes > spot; for puts, strikes < spot.
Example:
22,200 is ATM.
22,100 Call is ITM.
22,300 Call is OTM.
6. Open Interest (OI) Analysis
OI is one of the most powerful indicators in option chain analysis. It shows where traders are placing their bets.
✔️ What to Look For:
High OI = Strong interest at that strike.
Increase in OI = New positions being added.
Decrease in OI = Positions being closed.
✔️ Interpretations:
High OI in Call → Resistance level.
High OI in Put → Support level.
Let’s say:
22,500 Call has 30 lakh OI → Strong resistance.
22,000 Put has 35 lakh OI → Strong support.
This gives you the trading range of Nifty: 22,000 to 22,500.
7. Implied Volatility (IV) Analysis
IV represents the market's future expectations of volatility. Higher IV means higher premiums.
✔️ Why IV Matters:
When IV is high, options are expensive.
When IV is low, options are cheaper.
✔️ Practical Use:
Sell options when IV is very high (premium is inflated).
Buy options when IV is low (premium is cheap).
8. Strike Price Selection
Choosing the right strike is key for successful trading.
✔️ For Buying Options:
Buy slightly ITM for better delta and time value.
ATM works for short-term, fast movements.
✔️ For Selling Options:
Sell OTM options with high OI and low IV.
✔️ Tip:
Always check the OI and IV before choosing a strike. Avoid illiquid strikes (with low OI or volume).
9. Support and Resistance Levels from Option Chain
You can spot support and resistance based on OI data.
✔️ Support:
Strike where Put OI is highest.
E.g., 22,000 Put with highest OI = Support zone.
✔️ Resistance:
Strike where Call OI is highest.
E.g., 22,500 Call with highest OI = Resistance zone.
This helps you create a trading range.
10. Option Chain for Intraday & Swing Trading
✅ Intraday Trading:
Watch change in OI during live market.
Spike in Call OI → Possible resistance forming.
Spike in Put OI → Possible support forming.
✅ Swing Trading:
Analyze overall OI trend.
Look at monthly expiry data.
Identify positional buildup or unwinding.
Risk Management in Options TradingTrading options can be exciting and rewarding—but it's also full of risks. Without proper risk management, even the best strategies can lead to heavy losses. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into how to manage risk in options trading, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
1. Understanding Risk in Options Trading
Before we dive into managing risk, it’s crucial to understand where risk comes from in options trading. Options are complex instruments that behave differently than stocks. The key sources of risk include:
A. Price Movement (Delta Risk)
When the price of the underlying stock moves up or down, the value of the option changes. This is known as Delta risk. A call option gains value when the stock goes up, and a put gains value when it goes down.
B. Time Decay (Theta Risk)
Options lose value over time. Even if the stock price doesn’t move, the option could still lose value as the expiration date approaches. This is known as Theta decay or time decay.
C. Volatility (Vega Risk)
Volatility reflects how much a stock moves. High volatility increases an option's premium. But if implied volatility falls, the value of your option might drop—even if your price prediction is correct.
D. Interest Rates and Dividends (Rho and Dividend Risk)
Although less impactful, interest rates and dividend changes can also influence option prices. These are more important for longer-dated options.
2. Why Is Risk Management Critical in Options?
Options give traders leverage—a small investment can control a large position. While this magnifies profits, it also increases losses. Many beginners fall into the trap of chasing big gains, only to blow up their accounts when trades go wrong.
Good risk management doesn’t eliminate risk—it helps you survive bad trades and stay in the game long enough for your edge to work.
3. Core Principles of Options Risk Management
Here are the foundational principles every options trader should follow:
A. Never Risk More Than You Can Afford to Lose
It sounds obvious, but many traders ignore this. Only use disposable capital, not money meant for rent, bills, or emergencies.
B. Position Sizing
This is one of the most powerful tools in risk management. Don’t bet your entire capital on a single trade. A common rule is to risk 1-2% of your capital on any trade. That way, even a string of losing trades won’t wipe you out.
C. Diversify Your Trades
Avoid putting all your trades on the same stock or sector. Diversification can reduce risk from unexpected news events or market shocks.
D. Know Your Maximum Loss
Before entering any trade, calculate your maximum potential loss. With long calls and puts, your loss is limited to the premium paid. But with short options or complex strategies like spreads, losses can be higher or even unlimited.
4. Practical Risk Management Techniques
A. Use Stop-Loss Orders (Where Applicable)
While options don’t always behave like stocks, you can still set a mental or physical stop-loss based on:
Percentage loss (e.g., exit if the option loses 50%)
Underlying price level (e.g., exit if stock breaks below a key level)
Time decay (e.g., exit 5 days before expiration to avoid Theta crush)
❗ Note: Stop-losses can be tricky with options because of wide bid-ask spreads. It’s important to use limit orders or mental stops to avoid slippage.
B. Avoid Naked Options (Especially Selling)
Selling naked calls or puts can expose you to unlimited risk. Unless you have a large account and full understanding, stick to defined-risk strategies like:
Spreads (credit/debit)
Iron condors
Butterflies
Covered calls
Protective puts
C. Hedge Your Positions
Hedging is like buying insurance. You can reduce risk by combining options in a way that limits losses.
Example:
If you sell a naked put, you can turn it into a bull put spread by buying a lower strike put. This limits your downside if the stock crashes.
D. Use Probability and Greeks
Understanding the "Greeks" can help you analyze risk exposure:
Greek What it Measures Risk Managed
Delta Price sensitivity Directional risk
Theta Time decay Time-related loss
Vega Volatility impact Volatility exposure
Gamma Delta’s change rate Acceleration of price impact
Rho Interest rate impact (minor risk)
Knowing your Greeks allows you to adjust trades when risks become too high.
5. Options Strategies for Risk Management
Some strategies are naturally more “risky,” while others are designed to limit downside. Let’s look at popular risk-managed strategies:
A. Covered Call
You own 100 shares of a stock and sell a call option. This gives you income (premium) and limits upside risk.
Risk: Stock falls
Reward: Premium + upside to strike price
B. Protective Put
You buy a put while holding the stock. It protects you from downside losses, like insurance.
Risk: Cost of put (premium)
Reward: Unlimited upside; limited downside
C. Vertical Spreads (Credit and Debit)
These involve buying and selling options at different strikes.
Bull Call Spread: Buy call + sell higher call
Bear Put Spread: Buy put + sell lower put
Both strategies have limited risk and reward, making them ideal for risk-conscious traders.
D. Iron Condor
You sell a call spread and a put spread on the same stock. Profitable when the stock stays in a defined range.
Risk: Limited to width of spread minus premium
Reward: Net credit received
This is a great strategy for sideways markets and offers good risk/reward if managed well.
6. Managing Risk Over Time
A. Adjusting Trades
If a trade moves against you, you don’t always have to take the loss. You can:
Roll the option to a later expiration
Adjust strikes to collect more credit or redefine risk
Convert to a spread or different strategy
However, be careful not to over-manage trades, which can lead to complex and risky positions.
B. Avoid Trading Around Events
Earnings announcements, Fed meetings, and budget declarations can cause huge volatility spikes. Option premiums are often inflated before such events. If you trade them, keep position size small and use defined-risk trades only.
Options Trading Strategies: From Simple to AdvancedPart 1: The Basics of Options
Before diving into strategies, let’s review the two core types of options:
1. Call Option (CE)
Gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to buy an underlying asset at a predetermined price (strike price) within a specific time period.
Bullish in nature.
2. Put Option (PE)
Gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specific time period.
Bearish in nature.
Each option has a premium (price you pay to buy the option), and that’s the maximum loss a buyer can face. Sellers (or writers), on the other hand, receive the premium but take on higher risk.
Part 2: Simple Options Strategies
These are basic strategies suitable for new traders.
1. Buying a Call Option (Long Call)
When to Use: If you expect the stock/index to rise significantly.
Risk: Limited to the premium paid.
Reward: Unlimited potential profit.
Example:
Stock XYZ is trading at ₹100. You buy a 105 Call Option at ₹2 premium.
If stock moves to ₹115:
Intrinsic Value = ₹10
Profit = ₹10 - ₹2 = ₹8 per share
Why It’s Good: Cheap entry, high upside.
2. Buying a Put Option (Long Put)
When to Use: If you expect the stock/index to fall.
Risk: Limited to the premium paid.
Reward: High if stock crashes.
Example:
You buy a 95 PE when stock is at ₹100, and premium is ₹3.
If stock falls to ₹85:
Intrinsic Value = ₹10
Profit = ₹10 - ₹3 = ₹7 per share
Why It’s Good: Good for bearish bets or portfolio hedging.
3. Covered Call
When to Use: You own the stock and expect neutral to moderately bullish movement.
Risk: Limited upside potential.
Reward: Premium + stock movement (if not called away).
Example:
You own 100 shares of XYZ @ ₹100.
You sell 110 CE for ₹5.
If stock rises to ₹110, you sell at that level and keep ₹5 premium.
If it stays below ₹110, you keep the shares + premium.
Why It’s Good: Generates income from stocks you hold.
4. Protective Put
When to Use: You own a stock and want downside protection.
Risk: Limited downside.
Reward: Unlimited upside.
Example:
Own 100 shares of XYZ @ ₹100.
Buy a 95 PE at ₹3.
If stock drops to ₹85, your put becomes worth ₹10, offsetting losses.
Why It’s Good: Acts like insurance on your holdings.
Part 3: Intermediate Strategies
Once you’re comfortable with buying/selling calls and puts, it’s time to explore neutral and range-bound strategies.
5. Bull Call Spread
When to Use: You expect a moderate rise in the stock/index.
Risk: Limited.
Reward: Limited.
Structure:
Buy 100 CE at ₹5
Sell 110 CE at ₹2
Net Cost: ₹3
Max Profit: ₹10 - ₹3 = ₹7
Max Loss: ₹3
Why It’s Good: Lower cost than buying a call outright.
Part 4: Risk Management Tips
Never deploy a strategy you don’t understand.
Use stop-loss and position sizing to avoid blowing up capital.
Be aware of Greeks (Delta, Theta, Vega) — they drive profits/losses.
Avoid naked options selling unless you have enough margin and experience.
Always review IV (Implied Volatility) before placing straddles or condors.
Understand expiry effects — options lose value faster as expiry nears.
Part 5: Real-Life Example
Let’s say Nifty is trading at 22,000. You expect no major movement till expiry. You execute an Iron Condor:
Sell 22100 CE at ₹100
Buy 22300 CE at ₹40
Sell 21900 PE at ₹90
Buy 21700 PE at ₹30
Net Credit = ₹100 - ₹40 + ₹90 - ₹30 = ₹120
Max Loss = Spread width (200) - Net Credit = ₹80
If Nifty stays between 21900 and 22100 — all options expire worthless and you earn full ₹120.
Conclusion
Options trading is like a chess game — it's not only about direction, but also timing, volatility, and strategy structure. Simple strategies like buying calls and puts are perfect for starters, but intermediate and advanced strategies allow you to profit in any kind of market — bullish, bearish, or neutral.
The key lies in choosing the right strategy for the right market condition, managing risks, and being patient.
Whether you're hedging your portfolio, generating income, or speculating on big market moves, options provide the tools — but it’s your responsibility to use them wisely.
If you’d like charts, payoff diagrams, or examples using live data (like Bank Nifty or stocks), let me know and I can include those too!
Basics of Options: Calls and PutsWhat are Options?
An option is a financial contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset (like a stock or index) at a specific price, on or before a specific date.
Think of it like booking a movie ticket. You reserve the right to watch a movie at a particular time and seat. But if you don’t go, it’s your choice. You lose the ticket price (premium), but you're not forced to go. Options work similarly.
Options are of two basic types:
Call Option
Put Option
Let’s break both down in detail.
1. What is a Call Option?
A Call Option gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to buy the underlying asset at a pre-decided price (called the strike price) on or before a certain date (called the expiry date).
When do traders buy a Call Option?
When they believe the price of the underlying stock or index will go up in the future.
Example of Call Option (Simple Case)
Let’s say you are bullish on Reliance Industries stock, which is currently trading at ₹2,500.
You buy a Call Option with:
Strike Price: ₹2,550
Premium Paid: ₹30 per share
Lot Size: 250 shares
Expiry: Monthly expiry (say end of the month)
You believe Reliance will go up beyond ₹2,550 soon. If it goes to ₹2,600 before expiry:
Your profit per share = ₹2,600 (market price) - ₹2,550 (strike price) = ₹50
Net Profit = ₹50 - ₹30 (premium) = ₹20 per share
Total Profit = ₹20 x 250 = ₹5,000
But if Reliance stays below ₹2,550, say at ₹2,500 on expiry, you won’t exercise the option. You lose only the premium (₹30 x 250 = ₹7,500).
Key Terminologies in Call Options
In the Money (ITM): When the stock price is above the strike price.
At the Money (ATM): When the stock price is equal to the strike price.
Out of the Money (OTM): When the stock price is below the strike price.
2. What is a Put Option?
A Put Option gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to sell the underlying asset at a pre-decided price (strike price) on or before the expiry.
When do traders buy a Put Option?
When they believe the price of the underlying stock or index will fall in the future.
Example of Put Option (Simple Case)
Assume HDFC Bank is trading at ₹1,600. You are bearish and expect it to fall.
You buy a Put Option with:
Strike Price: ₹1,580
Premium: ₹20 per share
Lot Size: 500 shares
Expiry: Monthly
If HDFC Bank falls to ₹1,520:
You can sell at ₹1,580 even though market price is ₹1,520
Gross profit per share = ₹60
Net profit = ₹60 - ₹20 = ₹40 per share
Total profit = ₹40 x 500 = ₹20,000
If HDFC stays above ₹1,580, your put expires worthless. You lose only the premium (₹10,000).
Key Terminologies in Put Options
In the Money (ITM): Stock price below strike price.
At the Money (ATM): Stock price = strike price.
Out of the Money (OTM): Stock price above strike price.
Who are the Two Parties in an Option Contract?
1. Option Buyer (Holder)
Pays the premium
Has rights, but not obligations
Can exercise the option if profitable
Loss is limited to the premium paid
2. Option Seller (Writer)
Receives the premium
Has obligation to fulfill the contract if the buyer exercises
Risk is unlimited for call writers and limited for put writers (if stock price becomes zero)
Profit is limited to the premium received
Difference between Call and Put Options (Summary Table)
Feature Call Option Put Option
Buyer’s Expectation Bullish (price will go up) Bearish (price will go down)
Right Buy at strike price Sell at strike price
Profit Potential Unlimited Limited (until price reaches zero)
Risk (for buyer) Limited to premium Limited to premium
Seller’s Role Sells call & hopes price won’t rise Sells put & hopes price won’t fall
Premium and What Influences It?
The premium is the price you pay to buy an option. This is influenced by:
Intrinsic Value: Difference between market price and strike price
Time Value: More days to expiry = higher premium
Volatility: Higher the volatility = higher the premium
Interest Rates and Dividends
What is Strike Price and Expiry?
Strike Price: The price at which you can buy (call) or sell (put) the underlying stock
Expiry: The last date till which the option is valid. In India:
Weekly expiry for Nifty, Bank Nifty, and FINNIFTY
Monthly expiry for stocks
Time to Wait and Watch
**"The $133K zone remains Bitcoin’s key resistance level.**
If Bitcoin fails to break this resistance for any reason and forms a **reversal candle** in this area,
I expect a **correction phase** to begin, with the market entering **panic sell mode.**
**First support** lies at **$110K.**
Further support levels are **$100K, $92K, and $88K** respectively.
If the price drops to the **$74K zone**, it’s time to **sell everything you’ve got** (yes, even your kidneys!) and **buy Bitcoin.**
However, if **$133K is broken to the upside**, we’re heading for **$140K, $150K, and $170K**… and **then** the real **panic selling** begins."
Learn What is PULLBACK and WHY It is Important For TRADING
In the today's post, we will discuss the essential element of price action trading - a pullback.
There are two types of a price action leg of a move: impulse leg and pullback.
Impulse leg is a strong bullish/bearish movement that determines the market sentiment and trend.
A pullback is the movement WITHIN the impulse.
The impulse leg has the level of its high and the level of its low.
If the impulse leg is bearish , a pullback initiates from its low and should complete strictly BELOW its high.
If the impulse leg is bullish , a pullback movement starts from its high and should end ABOVE its low.
Simply put, a pullback is a correctional movement within the impulse.
It occurs when the market becomes overbought/oversold after a strong movement in a bullish/bearish trend.
Here is the example of pullback on EURJPY pair.
The market is trading in a strong bullish trend. After a completion of each bullish impulse, the market retraces and completes the correctional movements strictly within the ranges of the impulses.
Here are 3 main reasons why pullbacks are important:
1. Trend confirmation
If the price keeps forming pullbacks after bullish impulses, it confirms that the market is in a bullish bearish trend.
While, a formation of pullbacks after bearish legs confirms that the market is trading in a downtrend.
Here is the example how bearish impulses and pullbacks confirm a healthy bearish trend on WTI Crude Oil.
2. Entry points
Pullbacks provide safe entry points for perfect trend-following opportunities.
Traders can look for pullbacks to key support/resistances, trend lines, moving averages or Fibonacci levels, etc. for shorting/buying the market.
Take a look how a simple rising trend line could be applied for trend-following trading on EURNZD.
3. Risk management
By waiting for a pullback, traders can get better reward to risk ratio for their trades as they can set tighter stop loss and bigger take profit.
Take a look at these 2 trades on Bitcoin. On the left, a trader took a trade immediately after a breakout, while on the right, one opened a trade on a pullback.
Patience gave a pullback trader much better reward to risk ratio with the same target and take profit level as a breakout trader.
Pullback is a temporary correction that often occurs after a significant movement. Remember that pullbacks do not guarantee the trend continuation and can easily turn into reversal moves. However, a combination of pullback and other technical tools and techniques can provide great trading opportunities.
❤️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.
What does the future hold for Pi Network?Pi Network Coin (PI) is the native cryptocurrency of the Pi Network, a decentralized blockchain project designed to make cryptocurrency mining and usage accessible to everyday people via mobile devices. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin that rely on energy-intensive mining hardware, Pi Network allows users to mine PI coins on their smartphones using a lightweight, mobile-friendly process that does not drain battery life or require costly equipment.
What Could make Pi Network Grow (Factors affecting price)
Short-term price is highly volatile, influenced by token unlock schedules, exchange trading volumes, and speculative sentiment.
Medium-to-long term potential depends on the speed and success of Mainnet open trading launch, exchange listings on major platforms, and real-world PI ecosystem adoption including DeFi and decentralized applications.
Risks stem from regulatory uncertainties, possible high selling pressure from early miners, and slow token utility development.
Positive catalysts include expanding app ecosystem, mainstream exchange listings, and growing merchant/payment acceptance.
As of late July 2025, the PI price is subject to these dynamic factors, with market price hovering around $0.0006–$0.73 depending on exchange and trading pair, showing both significant upside if adoption accelerates and downside from current bearish technical pressures.
Bitcoin: Forecasting the Cycle ATHBitcoin has set a new all-time high this July, continuing the upward cycle tied to the spring 2024 halving. The decline in bitcoin dominance since early July has sparked a minor altcoin season. On this topic, I invite you to revisit my latest crypto analyses in the Swissquote market analysis archive. You can also subscribe to our account to receive alerts every time I publish a new crypto market analysis for Swissquote.
By clicking on the image below, you can read my latest perspective on Ether’s outperformance, which I now expect to last until the end of the cycle.
In this new article, I’ll address an important subject: the final top price for Bitcoin in this 2025 cycle. I’ll publish a separate article soon regarding timing. Today, I present three tools to combine in order to define a target zone for Bitcoin’s final cycle high by year-end.
1) Elliott Wave Technical Analysis on a Logarithmic Scale
Bitcoin is currently building wave 5 of the bullish cycle that started in autumn 2022 around $15,000. To calculate theoretical targets for wave 5, we use Fibonacci extensions, particularly projections from wave 3 and from the bottom of wave 1 to the top of wave 3. This gives a target range between $145,000 and $170,000.
2) Pi Cycle Top Prediction Tool
The Pi Cycle Top is based on the interaction of two moving averages: the 111-day MA and the 350-day MA multiplied by 2. Historically, a bullish crossover of the 111 MA above the 2×350 MA preceded the market peaks of 2013, 2017, and 2021 by a few days. This tool captures late-stage bull market speculation but can give false signals when used alone, hence the need for multiple approaches. The current 2×350-day MA stands at $175,000.
3) Terminal Price Tool
Developed by analyst Willy Woo, Terminal Price is an on-chain model based on Bitcoin’s fundamental network data. It combines the Price-to-Thermocap Ratio (market value vs cumulative mining cost) with a logarithmic metric to estimate a theoretical ceiling. Unlike the Pi Cycle Top, it does not rely on price action but on network economic activity, making it complementary. Terminal Price currently trends around $200,000.
Used together, these three approaches can help identify likely cycle top zones. The Pi Cycle Top signals excess momentum through price dynamics, while Terminal Price provides a more fundamental upper bound. Their convergence with Elliott wave analysis and Fibonacci extensions increases the probability that the final cycle top will occur by late 2025 in a range between $145,000 and $200,000.
DISCLAIMER:
This content is intended for individuals who are familiar with financial markets and instruments and is for information purposes only. The presented idea (including market commentary, market data and observations) is not a work product of any research department of Swissquote or its affiliates. This material is intended to highlight market action and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. If you are a retail investor or lack experience in trading complex financial products, it is advisable to seek professional advice from licensed advisor before making any financial decisions.
This content is not intended to manipulate the market or encourage any specific financial behavior.
Swissquote makes no representation or warranty as to the quality, completeness, accuracy, comprehensiveness or non-infringement of such content. The views expressed are those of the consultant and are provided for educational purposes only. Any information provided relating to a product or market should not be construed as recommending an investment strategy or transaction. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
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Fibonacci Retracement: The Hidden Key to Better EntriesIf you’ve ever wondered how professional traders predict where price might pull back before continuing... the secret lies in Fibonacci Retracement.
In this post, you’ll learn:
What Fibonacci retracement is
Why it works
How to use it on your charts (step-by-step)
Pro tips to increase accuracy in the market
🧠 What Is Fibonacci Retracement?:
Fibonacci Retracement is a technical analysis tool that helps traders identify potential support or resistance zones where price is likely to pause or reverse during a pullback.
It’s based on a mathematical sequence called the Fibonacci Sequence, found everywhere in nature — from galaxies to sunflowers — and yes, even in the markets.
The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, starting with 0 and 1. The sequence typically begins with 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on. This pattern can be expressed as a formula: F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2), where F(n) is the nth Fibonacci number.
The key Fibonacci levels traders use are:
23.6%
38.2%
50%
61.8%
78.6%
These levels represent percentages of a previous price move, and they give us reference points for where price might pull back before resuming its trend and where we can anticipate price to move before showing support or resistance to the trend you are following.
💡Breakdown of Each Fib Level:
💎 0.236 (23.6%) – Shallow Pullback
What it indicates:
Weak retracement, often signals strong trend momentum.
Buyers/sellers are aggressively holding the trend.
Best action:
Aggressive entry zone for continuation traders.
Look for momentum signals (break of minor structure, bullish/bearish candles). Stay out of the market until you see more confirmation.
💎 0.382 (38.2%) – First Strong Area of Interest
What it indicates:
Healthy pullback in a trending market.
Seen as a key area for trend followers to step in.
Best action:
Look for entry confirmation: bullish/bearish engulfing, pin bars, Elliott Waves, or break/retest setups.
Ideal for setting up trend continuation trades.
Stop Loss 0.618 Level
💎 0.500 (50.0%) – Neutral Ground
What it indicates:
Often marks the midpoint of a significant price move.
Market is undecided, can go either way.
Best action:
Wait for additional confirmation before entering.
Combine with support/resistance or a confluence zone.
Useful for re-entry on strong trends with good risk/reward.
Stop Loss 1.1 Fib Levels
💎 0.618 (61.8%) – The “Golden Ratio”
What it indicates:
Deep pullback, often seen as the last line of defense before trend reversal.
High-probability area for big players to enter or add to positions.
Best action:
Look for strong reversal patterns (double bottoms/tops, engulfing candles).
Excellent area for entering swing trades with tight risk and high reward.
Use confluence (structure zones, moving averages, psychological levels, Elliott Waves).
Wait for close above or below depending on the momentum of the market.
Stop Loss 1.1 Fib Level
💎 0.786 (78.6%) – Deep Correction Zone
What it indicates:
Very deep retracement. Often a final “trap” zone before price reverses.
Risk of trend failure is higher.
Best action:
Only trade if there's strong reversal evidence.
Use smaller position size or avoid unless other confluences are aligned.
Can act as an entry for counter-trend trades in weaker markets.
Stop Loss around 1.1 and 1.2 Fib Levels
⏱️Best Timeframe to Use Fibs for Day Traders and Swing Traders:
Day trading:
Day traders, focused on capturing short-term price movements and making quick decisions within a single day, typically utilize shorter timeframes for Fibonacci retracement analysis, such as 15-minute through hourly charts.
They may also use tighter Fibonacci levels (like 23.6%, 38.2%, and 50%) to identify more frequent signals and exploit short-term fluctuations.
Combining Fibonacci levels with other indicators such as moving averages, RSI, or MACD, and focusing on shorter timeframes (e.g., 5-minute or 15-minute charts) can enhance signal confirmation for day traders.
However, relying on very short timeframes for Fibonacci can lead to less reliable retracement levels due to increased volatility and potential for false signals.
Swing trading:
Swing traders aim to capture intermediate trends, which necessitates giving trades more room to fluctuate over several days or weeks.
They typically prefer utilizing broader Fibonacci levels (like 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%) to identify significant retracement points for entering and exiting trades.
Swing traders often focus on 4-hour and daily charts for their analysis, and may even consult weekly charts for a broader market perspective.
🎯 Why Does Fibonacci Work?:
Fibonacci levels work because of:
Mass psychology – many traders use them
Natural rhythm – markets move in waves, not straight lines
Institutional footprint – smart money often scales in around key retracement zones
It's not magic — it's structure, and it's surprisingly reliable when used correctly.
🛠 How to Draw Fibonacci Retracement (Step-by-Step):
Let’s say you want to trade XAU/USD (Gold), and price just had a strong bullish run.
✏️ Follow These Steps:
Identify the swing low (start of move)
Identify the swing high (end of move)
Use your Fibonacci tool to draw from low to high (for a bullish move)
The tool will automatically mark levels like 38.2%, 50%, 61.8%, etc.
These levels act as pullback zones, and your job is to look for entry confirmation around them.
🔁 For bearish moves, draw from high to low. (I will show a bearish example later)
Now let’s throw some examples and pictures into play to get a better understanding.
📈 XAU/USD BULLISH Example:
1.First we Identify the direction of the market:
2.Now we set our fibs by looking for confirmations to get possible entry point:
Lets zoom in a bit:
Now that we have a break of the trendline we wait for confirmation and look for confluence:
Now we set our fibs from the last low to the last high:
This will act as our entry point for the trade.
3. Now we can look for our stop loss and take profit levels:
Stop Loss:
For the stop loss I like to use the fib levels 1.1 and 1.2 when I make an entry based upon the 0.618 level. These levels to me typically indicate that the trade idea is invalid once crossed because it will usually violate the prior confirmations
Take Profit:
For the take profit I like to use the Fib levels 0.236, 0, -0.27, and -0.618. This is based upon your personal risk tolerance and overall analysis. You can use 0.236 and 0 level as areas to take partial profits.
Re-Entry Point Using Elliott Waves as Confluence Example:
This is an example of how I used Elliott Waves to enter the trade again from the prior entry point. If you don’t know what Elliott Waves are I will link my other educational post so you can read up on it and have a better understanding my explanation to follow.
After seeing all of our prior confirmations I am now confident that our trend is still strongly bullish so I will mark my Waves and look for an entry point.
As we can see price dipped into the 0.38-0.5 Fib level and rejected it nicely which is also in confluence with the Elliott Wave Theory for the creation of wave 5 which is the last impulse leg before correction.
🔻 In a downtrend:
Same steps, but reverse the direction — draw from high to low and look to short the pullback.
XAU/USD Example:
As you can see the same basic principles applied for bearish movement as well.
⚠️ Pro Tips for Accuracy:
✅ Always use Fib in confluence with:
Market structure (higher highs/lows or lower highs/lows)
Key support/resistance zones
Volume or momentum indicators
Candle Patterns
Elliott Waves, etc.
❌ Don’t trade Fib levels blindly — they are zones, not guarantees.
📊 Use higher timeframes for cleaner levels (4H, Daily)
💡 Final Thought
Fibonacci retracement doesn’t predict the future — it reveals probability zones where price is likely to react.
When combined with structure and confirmation, it becomes one of the most reliable tools for new and experienced traders alike.
🔥 Drop a comment if this helped — or if you want a Part 2 where I break down Fibonacci Extensions and how to use them for take-profit targets.
💬 Tag or share with a beginner who needs to see this!
WHY DO YOU KEEP ASKING ABOUT PRICE SO MUCH?WHY DO YOU KEEP ASKING ABOUT PRICE SO MUCH?
The problem lies in the wrong frame of reference when you first enter the market. Faulty input leads to flawed thinking, resulting in poor actions and bad outcomes.
I constantly receive questions like:
“Can I buy at this price yet?”
“Should I wait for a lower price?”
“Is this the bottom?”
“BTC is at 108k, is it still good to LONG?”
“It’s at 123k now, will it go to 180k?”
All of these revolve around PRICE, but in reality, price isn't what you should focus on. What's important is understanding market movements and trends.
Many of you DCA blindly at resistance, support, or based on on-chain data, thinking the price will reverse or bounce… but it doesn’t. So why?
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Let me give you an analogy:
Imagine you're hiking the Alps.
You start early in the morning. When you're tired, you rest. When the scenery is beautiful, you stop and enjoy it. When you're thirsty or hungry, you take a break. Eventually, you reach the top (PEAK).
Did you ever ask your friend along the way:
"How many meters have we climbed?"
"How many meters left to the top?"
Of course not.
You just know you're ascending, and when you reach the peak, you’ll know.
Uptrend is like climbing up, downtrend is climbing down.
You don’t need to know your exact altitude — you just need to know whether you’re going up or down, and when you’re at the top, you’ll feel it.
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The market is the same.
When it goes up, you know it’s going up.
When it goes down, you know it’s going down.
When it’s the peak, you’ll know.
When it’s the bottom, you’ll feel it.
There's no need to obsess over:
“Is this the top?”
“Is this the bottom?”
Why?
Because when you're fixated on the real-time price, without understanding market movement, you’re being led by price — not leading your trades.
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In summary:
Stop letting price control your mind.
Focus on trends and market movement, and you’ll know where you are.
When climbing, you know you’re climbing. When peaking, you’ll know it’s time to pause. Simple as that.