Tutorial On FOMC Support and ResistanceUsing the 8-hour chart on the Wednesday of an FOMC release, I use a purple line on the 10am EST 8-hour candle's open as the FOMC release price point.
I then use a purple highlighter to signal the date of the release.
I have come to the conclusion that the Dow Jones Futures moves and finds support/resistance using the FOMC releases. Nothing else on the chart matters BUT each release.
There are only 2 ways these levels are used.
1. Support and Resistance levels
2. Mean Reversion levels
I have not found a single source on the ENTIRE internet that describes this phenomenon and would like to think I am quite lucky for stumbling upon this observation.
Below are examples of how/what to look for when using these levels.
Step 1:
On the 8 hour chart, mark the 10am EST opening price of that candle with a purple line and highlight
Step 2:
Project it across and see how price reacts. It will either mean revert or bounce from it
It is hilariously funny to me that price stopped dead within a measly 84 ticks away from the DEC 2023 FOMC level before bouncing.
Support and Resistance:
Mean Reversion:
Price mean reverting around the 10am opening price of FOMC Wednesday.
Community ideas
Keep Your Confidence with CDV!!!Using Cumulative Delta Volume (CDV) in your analysis can help you remain confident that you are on the RIGHT side of your trade. Here is a video describing how I use CDV in my analysis as well as an example of how I've used it to enter a trade I've recently taken on Natural Gas Futures! (NG)
I hope this has been helpful. Happy trading!
How to Use Drawing Tools on TradingViewThis tutorial video discusses why and how traders use different types of trading tools, how to access the trading tools in Tradingview, and a few examples of how and why you might apply them.
Learn more about using Tradingview to trade futures with Optimus Futures:
optimusfutures.com
Disclaimer: There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
3 Consistent Winner Beliefs. Do you check off all 3?> Every trader comes to the charts with a story.
Mine is one of obsession, resilience, and belief.
This is what I tell myself every single day before I take a trade — my inner code.
1. Money can be made in markets
I’ve seen the charts. I’ve seen the proof.
Every day, money moves — and the ones with eyes to see take their slice.
Markets aren’t random. They aren’t chaos.
They’re an ocean of opportunity.
The consistent winners?
They’re locked in the present and spot opportunity moment by moment —
then strike when it’s worthwhile.
2. I can make money in markets
Not someone else. Me.
I study. I adapt. I execute.
I’m not here to gamble or guess.
I’m here to observe human behavior and act with precision.
I’ve trained my mind to see what others miss.
And that edge? It’s mine.
> “It’s so incredible how rich one can become without being perfect.”
3. I deserve to make money in markets
This one’s the hardest — and the most powerful.
Because without it, we self-sabotage.
I’ve put in the work.
I’ve sacrificed.
I’ve endured losses, frustration, and silence.
But I never stopped.
So when profit comes, it’s not luck — it’s alignment with who I’ve become.
> I post this not just as motivation — but as a mirror for others walking the same path.
If you’re obsessed with mastering yourself through the charts, then we’re already on the same team.
A belief is any thought you get attached to.
The more you attach, the more you become it.
KISS Trading SystemOverview :
Trading process should be as simple as possible. One of the simple method to trade is primarily identify direction, find a good location to entry, wait for confirmation in the location, and finally execute the trade when the risk reward ratio is good.
1. Direction
To identify direction, follow the market structure. Higher high and higher low indicates price is in a bullish trend (uptrend), while lower high and lower low indicates the price is in a bearish trend (downtrend). If there is no clear structure higher high and higher low or lower and high lower low, price is in sideways mode. Best is to avoid trade under this condition until clear trend is formed.
2. Location
Every time price create a new breakout structure, mark the the structure as our potential location for entry. There are some occasion where price does not pullback to the location and continuing the trend by creating a new breakout structure. Do not FOMO, just wait for the next location and confirmation within the location to entry and minimize your risk.
3. Confirmation
Patience is the key. Wait for price to pullback at higher time frame location, and focus for confirmation in lower time frame to entry and reduce risk. Time is fractal, the structure pattern is same on all timeframes. Choosing the right timeframe pair is crucial. Refer to table in the notes below for timeframe pairing.
4. Risk Reward
This is the main essence in trading, controlling risk and preserving capital. Entry without doubt when the risk reward are good. Execute, and trust your setup.
Bullish Engulfing Pattern: A Strong Reversal SignalBullish Engulfing Pattern: A Strong Reversal Signal
The bullish engulfing pattern is a two-candlestick formation that suggests a possible reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend in the financial market. This particular pattern holds immense value for traders and technical analysts as it equips them with the means to discern potential buying opportunities. In this article, we will explain how traders implement this pattern in their trading strategies.
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
The bullish engulfing is a technical analysis pattern consisting of two candles. This formation emerges when a large bearish candlestick is succeeded by a larger green one that entirely engulfs it.
What does the bullish engulfing mean? The bullish engulfing indicates a potential shift in market sentiment, suggesting that buying pressure might surpass selling pressure in the near future and highlighting a possible reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend.
Traders can find the bullish engulfing candlestick pattern across various financial instruments, including currencies, stocks, cryptocurrencies*, ETFs, and indices.
Bearish Engulfing vs Bullish Engulfing
The bullish engulfing pattern has a counterparty - bearish engulfing. The bearish engulfing pattern occurs during an uptrend, indicating a change in market sentiment and potential price reversal to the downside. It consists of two candles, where the second is larger and bearish and completely engulfs the body of the preceding candlestick.
How Can You Trade the Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
Here are some steps traders consider when trading with the bullish engulfing:
- Identification: Look for a clear bullish engulfing setup on a price chart at the end of a downtrend.
- Entry Point: Although candlestick patterns don't provide precise entry and exit points as chart patterns do, there are general rules you could use.
The entry point could be set slightly above the high of the bullish engulfing formation. In the conservative approach, traders enter the market after several candles close higher. In a risky approach, traders open a buy position after the pattern is formed.
- Exit Point: A stop-loss level could be below the low of the engulfing candle or below a nearby support level. A take-profit level could be based on a trader’s risk/reward ratio or key resistance levels.
- Risk Management: You can consider a risk management strategy to potentially limit losses. Traders focus on appropriate position sizing and risk-to-reward ratios to maintain a balanced approach to trading.
- Trade Monitoring: Once you have entered the trade, monitor price action and market conditions. Pay attention to any sign of reversal confirmation or potential obstacles that may invalidate the signal.
- Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Adjustment: As the trade progresses, you may consider adjusting your stop-loss level to protect potential returns. Similarly, you may consider adjusting your take-profit level if the price signals a strong uptrend.
Live Market Example
Let's consider an example of a bullish engulfing on the forex chart. The bullish engulfing candle in the example below is marked with 1 and 2. The trader sets the entry point above the green candle and a stop-loss level below it. The take profit is at the closest resistance level.
How Do Traders Confirm a Bullish Engulfing Candlestick Pattern?
Confirming this pattern enhances the reliability of its signals and helps traders make informed decisions. Here are key steps to confirm it:
- Volume Analysis: Traders typically look for increased buying trading volume accompanying the candle. Higher volume suggests stronger buyers’ interest and validates the reversal signal.
- Follow-Up Candlesticks: Waiting for subsequent closes can confirm the upward momentum. A series of higher closes strengthens its credibility.
- Support Levels: If it forms near a significant support level, this adds context to the reversal, as buyers are stepping in at a critical price point.
- Technical Indicators: Complementary indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Stochastic Oscillator, or a pair of moving averages can confirm the shift in sentiment.
- Market Context: Traders assess the overall market trend and news to ensure the formation aligns with broader market conditions.
Bullish Engulfing and Other Patterns
Let’s take a closer look at how this pattern compares to other chart formations, like the piercing and harami.
What Is the Difference Between a Bullish Engulfing and a Piercing Pattern?
A bullish engulfing pattern occurs when a large bearish bar is followed by a larger candlestick that completely overtakes the former's body. This indicates a strong potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend.
In contrast, a piercing formation also signals a potential reversal but is slightly weaker. It forms when a bearish candle is followed by a bullish candle that closes above its midpoint but doesn’t envelop it entirely.
What Is the Difference Between a Bullish Engulfing Pattern and a Bullish Harami Pattern?
The bullish harami pattern consists of a large red candle followed by a smaller green candle that is completely contained within the body of the red candle. This formation suggests a potential reversal but is generally considered less strong than the bullish engulfing candle pattern, as the latter completely envelops the previous bearish bar, showing more decisive buying pressure.
Final Thoughts
While this pattern offers valuable insights into potential trend reversals, it's essential to complement it with technical indicators and robust risk management for effective use. Also, be sure to explore other patterns as they may look very similar but provide different signals.
FAQ
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
A bullish engulfing pattern is a two-candlestick formation in technical analysis that suggests a potential reversal from a downtrend to an uptrend. It occurs when a large bearish candlestick is followed by a larger bullish candlestick that completely engulfs the body of the preceding bearish candle.
How Reliable Is the Bullish Engulfing Pattern?
The reliability of the bullish engulfing pattern as a reversal signal depends on various factors, including the overall market context, confirmation from other technical indicators, and the timeframe being analysed. While it can be a strong indication of a potential trend reversal, it is not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other tools and fundamental analysis.
What Is a Bullish Engulfing Candle Trading Strategy?
The bullish engulfing candle strategy involves identifying this pattern at the end of a downtrend as a signal for a potential sentiment shift. Traders typically enter a buy position slightly above the high of the closing bar, with stop-loss levels set below the low or beneath nearby support levels. Take-profit levels are determined based on risk/reward ratios or key resistance levels.
Do Wicks Matter in Engulfing Candlesticks?
Yes, wicks matter in the formation. The wicks provide insights into price rejection and volatility. For a strong confirmation, the absence of long upper wicks suggests sustained buying pressure, reinforcing its validity as a reversal signal.
*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
the markets are a very emotional cry babyIf you've ever asked, “Why is the market going up on bad news?” or “Why did it dump after great earnings?”, you're not alone.
Markets may seem logical—economic data in, price action out—but in reality, they’re driven by human emotion, crowd psychology, and reflexive feedback loops. The charts don’t lie, but the reasons behind the moves? Often irrational.
Let’s break down why markets are emotional—and how traders can use that to their advantage.
🧠 1. Markets Are Made of People (and People Aren’t Rational)
Even in the age of algorithms, human behaviour sets the tone. Fear, greed, FOMO, panic—all of it shows up on charts.
Fear leads to irrational selling
Greed fuels bubbles and euphoria
Uncertainty causes volatility spikes—even with no new information
📉 Example: The 2020 COVID crash saw massive capitulation. Then came one of the fastest bull markets ever—driven by stimulus and FOMO.
another example
📊 S&P 500 in 2020 with VIX, the S&P 500 crashed and the VIX went up, When the VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) goes up, it means that traders/investors expect a greater likelihood of price fluctuations in the S&P 500 over the next 30 days. This generally indicates increased fear as shown on the chart below
📈 2. Price Doesn’t Reflect Facts—It Reflects Belief
The market is not a thermometer. It’s a barometer of expectations.
When traders believe something will happen—whether true or not—price adjusts. If the Fed is expected to cut rates, assets may rally before it actually happens.
💡 Nerd Tip: Reality matters less than consensus expectations.
Chart Idea to visit:
💬 USD Index vs. Fed rate expectations (2Y yield or futures pricing)
🪞 3. Reflexivity: Belief Becomes Reality
Coined by George Soros, reflexivity explains how beliefs can influence the system itself.
Traders bid up assets, creating bullish momentum
That momentum attracts more buyers, reinforcing the trend
Eventually, fundamentals “catch up” (or the bubble bursts)
📌 Insight: The market creates its own logic—until it doesn’t.
😬 4. Emotional Extremes Create Opportunity
When markets overreact, they offer setups for rational traders.
Capitulation = Bottom Fishing
Euphoria = Caution
Disbelief = Strongest rallies
🧠 Pro Tip: Watch sentiment indicators, not just price. Fear & Greed Index, put/call ratios, or COT data reveal what the crowd is feeling.
Chart Example:
📊 Bitcoin 2022 bottom vs. Fear & Greed Index.. on the chart above the index score close to zero (RED) indicating extreme fear this was because in november 2022 crypto cybercrimes grew new level and investors lost confidence, these cyber crimes included the bankruptcy of FTX as the owners were allegedly misusing customer funds.
💡 5. How to Trade Rationally in an Irrational Market
a. Have a plan. Pre-define entries, exits, and invalidation levels.
b. Expect overreaction. Markets often go further than they “should.”
c. Use sentiment tools. Divergences between price and emotion are gold.
d. Don’t fight the crowd—until it peaks. Fade extremes, not momentum.
e. Zoom out. 5-minute panic means nothing on a weekly trendline.
🎯Nerd Takeaway:
Markets aren’t efficient—they’re emotional.
But that emotion creates mispricing, and mispricing = opportunity.
You don’t need to predict emotion—you just need to recognize it, and trade on the reversion to reason.
💬 Have you ever traded against the crowd and nailed it? Or got caught up in the hype? Drop your chart and your story—let’s learn from each other.
put together by : @currencynerd as Pako Phutietsile
Liquidation Begins With a Thought, Not a CandleHave you ever found yourself opening a trade you knew you shouldn’t?
That whisper in your head saying, “This setup looks different…” only for you to get stopped out or liquidated hours later?
It probably wasn’t your strategy that failed — it was your brain.
Hello✌
Spend 3 minutes ⏰ reading this educational material. The main points are summarized in 5 clear lines at the end
🎯 Analytical Insight on XRP: A Personal Perspective:
XRP is approaching a key daily resistance confluence with a descending trendline, after breaking out of its recent bearish channel and reclaiming prior structure levels 📈. I anticipate a gradual upside continuation with a minimum projected move of +14%, targeting the $2.85 zone. Two major daily supports — aligned with Fibonacci retracements — have also been identified as key demand zones for potential retests 🔍.
🧠 How Your Brain Leads You to Liquidation
A Psychological Trap Every Trader Must Know
Let’s explore how your mind tricks you into losses and which TradingView tools can help you stay focused and objective in the heat of the market.
🛠️ How to Protect Yourself (And Your Capital)
✅ Use multi-timeframe analysis:
Sometimes a bullish move on the 15-min chart is just a retest on the 4H. TradingView makes it easy to monitor several timeframes side-by-side.
✅ Set alerts instead of staring at charts:
Let TradingView notify you when your trade setup actually appears. Reduce emotional overtrading.
✅ Trust neutral tools like EMA, VWAP, or Volume Profile:
They offer structure and objectivity — less prone to emotional interpretation.
✅ Keep a trading journal:
Use the idea publishing feature or private notes to reflect on why you entered a trade. Most mistakes repeat when they’re not reviewed.
🔍 Cognitive Biases in Action
Your brain is wired for survival, not profits. It reacts emotionally — especially under pressure.
One of the most common psychological traps in trading is confirmation bias:
You form an opinion first, then only look for information that supports it.
It’s like spotting a resistance level on BTC but ignoring bearish signals because you want the price to break out.
You're not analyzing anymore — you're convincing yourself.
😨 FOMO: The Invisible Hand That Pushes Bad Trades
Bitcoin rallied from $93.4K to $102K in early January 2025.
The crowd on social media went wild: “ATH is coming!” was everywhere.
But on the chart? RSI was overbought, MACD flashed a bearish divergence.
Still, traders entered blindly — emotionally. Days later, BTC encounter with more loss.
This wasn’t technical failure. It was pure psychological FOMO.
🧘♂️ Train Your Mind Before You Train the Market
The charts don’t lie — but your interpretation of them might.
That’s why the best traders don’t just study the market, they study themselves.
Master your mindset, and the market won’t master you.
However , this analysis should be seen as a personal viewpoint, not as financial advice ⚠️. The crypto market carries high risks 📉, so always conduct your own research before making investment decisions. That being said, please take note of the disclaimer section at the bottom of each post for further details 📜✅.
🧨 Our team's main opinion is: 🧨
XRP has broken out of its downward channel and is now approaching key resistance; I’m eyeing a steady move toward the $2.85 target with at least +14% potential upside 📊.
Trading mistakes often come from our own minds, not the market. Emotional biases like confirmation bias and FOMO can trick you into bad trades—just like BTC’s in early January 2025 jump that fooled many 📉. To protect your capital, use TradingView’s multi-timeframe analysis, alerts, and objective tools like EMA or VWAP. Remember, mastering your mindset is as crucial as reading the charts.
Give me some energy !!
✨We invest countless hours researching opportunities and crafting valuable ideas. Your support means the world to us! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comment box.
Cheers, Mad Whale. 🐋
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.
How to Trend the Trend for Beginners part 3 Hey Traders so today we are going to the final part of the series for beginners about how to trade trends using techincal analysis.
So today we will go over what I believe is the best way to confirm that the market is trending using the best method.
Enjoy!
Clifford
How to Master Premium & Discount For Better EntriesA lot of traders talk about premium and discount, but very few actually know how to use it properly. Most just draw Fibonacci tools on random legs and try to catch reactions at the 61.8% level. That kind of trading lacks structure and context. If you're serious about using Smart Money Concepts the right way, then you need to understand where value exists in the market and how to position yourself accordingly.
This guide is all about mastering the premium vs discount model using a 4H bias, entries on the 1H or 15M, and refinements based solely on Fair Value Gaps. No order blocks. No guessing. Just clean structure, displacement, and a focus on institutional logic.
Establishing a Valid 4H Dealing Range
Your entire analysis starts with the 4H chart. That’s where you define the dealing range, the leg of price that caused a significant shift in market structure, usually confirmed by displacement and a break of a previous swing.
To do this correctly:
Identify a 4H swing high to swing low (or low to high) that broke structure and created an imbalance.
Anchor your range from that swing point to the extreme, this becomes your dealing range.
Mark the 50% of this range — this is your equilibrium line.
Everything above this midpoint is premium, everything below is discount.
You’re not drawing fibs for retracement levels. You’re using them to separate cheap price from expensive price.
Premium vs Discount: Why It Matters
The logic is simple: institutions buy at discount and sell at premium. They don’t place large positions in the middle of the range, they accumulate when price is cheap and distribute when price is expensive.
Once you’ve marked out your 4H range, you now have a framework:
Price in discount (below the 50%) = potential buy setups.
Price in premium (above the 50%) = potential sell setups.
The key is to only look for trades in the right part of the range. If price is in premium and you're trying to long, you're working against smart money. If it's in discount and you're trying to short, you're fading accumulation.
Refining the Setup on 1H or 15M
Once price enters the zone you’re interested in, premium or discount. Drop to the 1H or 15M charts to look for entries.
But we’re not trading any structure or supply/demand zone. We’re only interested in Fair Value Gaps. Why? Because FVGs are the cleanest way to spot imbalance — they show where price moved too aggressively and left inefficiency behind.
Here's what to do:
Watch for displacement on 1H or 15M once price taps into the 4H premium or discount zone.
The move should break short-term structure and leave a clear FVG.
Wait for price to retrace into that FVG.
Entry is placed inside the gap, preferably in the upper or lower third depending on direction.
Your invalidation is the low or high of the displacement move.
The FVG gives you a clean risk-to-reward setup that is backed by structure, context, and smart money intent.
Example: Long from Discount
Let’s say price is trading inside the discount zone of a 4H bullish dealing range. You now drop to 15M and see a sharp move higher that breaks structure and creates a clean 15M FVG.
Now you wait.
If price retraces into that gap and shows some form of reaction (volume, reaction wick, or small lower timeframe shift), you have a valid long. The trade is high probability because:
It’s inside 4H discount
The 15M displacement confirms smart money is stepping in
The FVG is your refined entry zone
Target is always the next liquidity pool inside premium.
Example: Short from Premium
Opposite logic applies.
If price trades into the premium zone of a 4H bearish range, you drop to 1H or 15M and wait for displacement to the downside. When you get a strong bearish move that leaves behind a Fair Value Gap and breaks intraday structure, you mark the FVG.
When price retraces into it, you execute your short. Stop is above the displacement high. Target is the first liquidity level inside discount, such as an old low or a clean equal low.
Rules for FVG Entries (1H/15M)
To keep your execution sharp, stick to these:
Only enter FVGs that form from displacement moves.
The FVG must break intraday structure.
It must form inside the 4H premium or discount zone, no exceptions.
Avoid FVGs that form in the middle of the range or during chop.
Make sure higher timeframe context supports the direction.
This filters out 90% of weak setups and forces you to trade in sync with value.
Targets and Exits
Where you enter is based on imbalance and structure, but where you exit is based on liquidity and the premium/discount model in reverse.
If you long from discount, you should be targeting premium levels.
If you short from premium, you should be targeting discount levels.
More specifically:
Look for old highs/lows
Clean equal highs/lows
Unfilled FVGs in the opposite zone
This way, you’re always exiting into areas where the market is likely to reverse or stall, and not overstaying your trade.
Conclusion
Trading from premium or discount zones isn’t just a concept, it’s a framework that puts you in line with institutional activity. When you combine it with FVGs, you have a clean, mechanical way to structure your trades.
Keep your bias on the 4H. Mark your ranges clearly. Drop to 1H or 15M only when price is in a valid zone, and only take entries on FVGs that form from strong displacement. If you stay disciplined with this model, you’ll avoid chasing price and start trading from areas of true value.
___________________________________
Thanks for your support!
If you found this guide helpful or learned something new, drop a like 👍 and leave a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🚀
Make sure to follow me for more price action insights, free indicators, and trading strategies. Let’s grow and trade smarter together! 📈
Best GOLD XAUUSD Psychological Levels Indicator on TradingView
There is one free technical indicator that will show you every significant psychological level on Gold XAUUSD chart.
It is available on TradingView and it is very easy to set.
Discover the best psychological support and resistance indicator for Gold trading , its settings and useful tips.
First, let's discuss the significance of psychological levels in GOLD XAUUSD analysis and trading.
The classic way of the search of significant supports and resistance is based on the analysis of a historic price action.
However, while Gold constantly sets new historic highs such a method does not work, because there are no historic resistances to rely on.
In such a situation, the only reliable strategy to find potentially strong resistances is to analyze psychological levels.
Psychological levels are the round numbers based price levels. Because of the common human psychological biases, these levels attract the interest of the market participants and the prices tend to react to them.
A great example of a psychological level in Gold trading is 3000 level.
It served as a resistance first and after a breakout turned into an important support.
And I found a free technical indicator that plots all the significant psychological levels efficiently.
One more thing to note is that I strictly recommend searching for psychological levels on a daily time frame, because it provides the most relevant perspective.
To use this indicator, search "round" in indicators wind ow.
It is called "Round numbers above and below".
Click on that and it will start working immediately.
You can see that the indicator plotted 3 significant psychological resistances above current prices and 3 supports below on Gold chat.
In the settings of the indicator, you can change the number of levels to identify and change the style of the horizontal lines.
Examine the reaction of the price to psychological supports that the indicator shows. These levels may remain significant in futures and applied for pullback/breakout trading.
With a crazy bullish rally that we contemplate on Gold this year, psychological levels will be the most reliable technical analysis tools for the identification of future bearish reversals and corrections.
This free technical indicator on TradingView will help you in search of the strongest ones.
❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.
Hammer Candlestick: Meaning and SignalsHammer Candlestick: Meaning and Signals
Technical analysis is a commonly used approach in the financial markets. It involves studying historical price data to make informed trading decisions. Among the various tools and formations employed in technical analysis, the hammer candlestick pattern stands out as a powerful tool. This article will delve into the meaning of the hammer candlestick pattern and explain how traders can interpret it on a forex, stock, and crypto* price chart.
What Is a Hammer Candle?
A hammer is a candlestick that is found on trading charts. It occurs at the end of a downtrend and acts as a bullish reversal signal.
To identify a bullish hammer candle on a price chart, traders do the following:
- Look for a significant downward movement: They begin by searching for a notable decline in an asset’s price.
- Observe the candle shape: The setup is characterised by a small body near the top of the candle and a long lower shadow. The lower shadow must be at least two times the length of the body. The colour of the candle doesn’t matter, but if it’s a green hammer candlestick, meaning it closed higher than it opened, the signal may be stronger.
- Analyse the context: Traders usually look for areas of support nearby as they may increase the setup's reliability.
Bullish Hammer Pattern: Trading Rules
Here are the common steps traders take when trading with a hammer:
- Confirm validity: Traders ensure that the hammer meets the criteria discussed earlier, such as a significant market decline followed by a candle with a small real body near the top and a large lower wick.
- Determine the entry point: Once the bullish hammer candlestick is confirmed, traders identify an appropriate entry point. Candlesticks don’t provide specific entry points. However, traders usually wait for the subsequent bar to close above and enter the trade if the market moves higher.
- Set stop-loss and take-profit levels: Traders place a stop-loss order below the low of the hammer to potentially limit risks. Traders determine a suitable take-profit level based on their trading approach, such as at the nearest resistance level or in accordance with the risk/reward ratio.
Trading Example
A trader spots a hammer on the hourly chart of the EURUSD pair. They wait for the candle to close above the hammer to enter the market. Their stop loss is below the hammer’s lower shadow, with the take profit calculated in accordance with the 1:2 risk/reward ratio.
How Can You Confirm the Hammer Candlestick?
Confirming the hammer candlestick pattern enhances the reliability of trading decisions. Beyond its basic identification, several techniques and indicators help validate its potential bullish reversal signal.
- Volume Analysis: A significant increase in trading volume during the formation of the hammer candlestick suggests stronger confirmation. Higher buying volume indicates heightened interest and participation, reinforcing the potential reversal.
- Support Levels: The presence of a strong support level near the hammer adds credibility to the pattern. Support levels act as psychological barriers where buying interest may increase, boosting the likelihood of a reversal.
- Subsequent Candlesticks: Observing the price action of the next few candlesticks after the hammer can provide further confirmation. A bullish candle closing above the high of the hammer enhances its validity.
-Double Hammer Pattern: While rare, a double hammer candlestick pattern where two candles appear consecutively can offer strong confirmation of a bullish movement.
- Trend Indicators: Utilising trend indicators like moving averages can help confirm the hammer. A rising moving average confirming the upward trend or a hammer forming in line with a broader trend adds weight to the potential reversal.
- Divergence: Identifying divergence between the price and momentum indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), can strengthen the pattern's reliability.
Hammer and Other Candlestick Patterns
Let’s compare the hammer to other candle formations you can spot on price charts.
Inverted Hammer
The inverted hammer is similar to the hammer but has a different appearance. It is characterised by a small body near the bottom of the candle and a long upper wick. The inverted hammer signals a potential bullish reversal as buyers start to gain strength and push the market up. The small body and small lower shadow reflect the rejection of lower prices, suggesting a shift in market sentiment from bearish to bullish.
Doji
In contrast to the red or green hammer candlestick pattern, the doji features a small real body with equal or close opening and closing prices and long upper and lower wicks. It represents market indecision, where neither buyers nor sellers have gained a clear advantage. While the hammer is potent during the downtrend, the doji can occur after both uptrends and downtrends, and it signals market consolidation or a potential trend reversal.
Shooting Star
The shooting star formation emerges at the top of an uptrend and suggests a potential bearish reversal. It is identified by a small real body near the bottom of the candle and a long upper wick, implying a rejection of higher prices and potential exhaustion of buying pressure.
Hanging Man
The hanging man emerges after an uptrend and suggests a potential bearish reversal. It resembles the hammer with a small real body near the top and a long lower wick, but the crucial difference is that it occurs in an uptrend. The hanging man implies that sellers are starting to exert influence, potentially leading to a reversal in the market.
Limitations of the Hammer Pattern
While the hammer is a valuable tool in technical analysis, it is not without its limitations.
- False Signals: It can sometimes produce false signals, leading to premature or incorrect trade entries. In certain market conditions, such as strong downtrends or highly volatile environments, the hammer may be less effective. Its success rate can vary across different assets and market scenarios.
- Dependence on Confirmation: The reliability of the hammer significantly depends on additional confirmation tools and indicators. Without these, alone it might not provide sufficient confidence for trading decisions.
- Short-Term Nature: The hammer primarily signals short-term price movements and typically can’t be used to anticipate medium or long-term price trends.
The Bottom Line
Successful implementation of the hammer formation requires experience, practice, and the use of additional technical analysis tools and indicators. Traders never rely solely on the hammer’s signals but integrate it into a comprehensive trading strategy.
FAQ
What Is a Hammer Candlestick?
A hammer is a specific setup found in charts that indicates a potential reversal to an uptrend. It is formed when a financial instrument opens at a certain price and experiences a significant decline during the trading period but eventually rallies back and closes near its opening price.
Is a Hammer Candlestick Pattern Bullish?
Yes, the hammer candlestick pattern is generally considered bullish. It signifies a potential trend reversal after a downtrend, as buyers enter the market and drive the price higher from its lows. The long lower shadow indicates that the buying pressure is strong and can potentially lead to further upward movement in the market.
Can a Hammer Candle Be Bearish?
A hammer candle is generally considered a bullish reversal signal, signalling a potential upward price movement after a downtrend. There is no bearish hammer. If the market continues to move lower after it forms, it just means that bearish market conditions were stronger and didn’t allow buyers to change market sentiment.
What Is the Hammer Candle Rule?
The hammer candle rule states that it must occur after a significant downtrend, have a small real body near the top of the candle, and feature a long lower shadow at least twice the length of the body. This pattern indicates a potential bullish reversal if confirmed by subsequent price action.
What Is the Hammer Strategy?
The hammer trading strategy involves identifying a candlestick at the end of a downtrend, confirming its validity with additional indicators or signals, and then entering a long position. Traders typically set stop-loss orders below the hammer's low and determine take-profit levels based on risk/reward ratios or nearby resistance levels.
*Important: At FXOpen UK, Cryptocurrency trading via CFDs is only available to our Professional clients. They are not available for trading by Retail clients. To find out more information about how this may affect you, please get in touch with our team.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Ethereum and the Pectra Upgrade: ETH Growth PotentialEthereum is approaching a significant upgrade called Pectra, which, according to analysts at Trenovia Group, could become a major catalyst for ETH’s price appreciation—especially if network activity continues to rise.
What Does Pectra Bring?
Pectra continues Ethereum’s path toward greater technological maturity. The upgrade introduces enhancements to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), optimizes validator coordination, and strengthens smart contract security. As Trenovia Group highlights, such developments are essential to the platform's long-term competitiveness and stability.
Potential Impact on ETH Price
Based on Trenovia Group’s internal analysis, ETH could strengthen after the Pectra upgrade, assuming a rise in network engagement. Past events, such as The Merge, have historically driven price momentum. However, sustained growth depends on actual increases in user activity, transaction volumes, and new project deployments.
Network Activity as a Growth Indicator
Network usage is one of the most critical metrics tracked by Trenovia Group. A surge in active wallets, decentralized applications (dApps), and DeFi platforms often translates to higher demand for ETH. These indicators are at the core of our investment strategies and client advisory services.
Trenovia Group’s Position
As a company focused on digital asset analytics and blockchain innovation, Trenovia Group views Pectra as a strategically important upgrade. It further solidifies Ethereum’s role in decentralized finance and Web3. We will continue to deliver in-depth market insights and recommendations as the network evolves.
Conclusion
Ethereum is entering a new phase of development. Should the Pectra upgrade lead to a measurable increase in network activity, Trenovia Group anticipates a favorable environment for ETH growth, reaffirming its position as a leader in the crypto market.
Scalping and Swing Trading Strategies
A Guide to Optimizing on TradingView
Scalping and swing trading strategies are two popular trading approaches in Forex, OANDA:XAUUSD gold, and cryptocurrencies, enabling traders to capitalize on price movements for maximum profits. Scalping focuses on short-term trades with small gains, while swing trading targets longer-term trends. This article guides you on implementing these strategies on TradingView using tools like RSI, MACD, and Fibonacci. Let’s dive in to elevate your trading skills!
1. What is Scalping?
Scalping is a short-term trading strategy where traders execute multiple trades daily, capitalizing on small price movements (often a few pips). The goal is to accumulate small profits from numerous trades.
Timeframe: 1-minute (M1) or 5-minute (M5).
Suitable markets: Forex (EUR/USD, GBP/USD), gold (XAU/USD), or cryptocurrencies (BTC/USD).
Requirements: Quick reactions, strict risk management, and appropriate leverage.
Example: A scalper might buy EUR/USD when the price touches the lower Bollinger Band on an M5 chart and sell when it reaches the middle band.
2. What is Swing Trading?
Swing trading is a medium- to long-term strategy that captures “price swings” within larger trends. Traders hold positions for days to weeks to maximize profits from significant price movements.
Timeframe: 4-hour (H4) or daily (D1).
Suitable markets: Stocks, Forex, gold, and cryptocurrencies.
Requirements: Patience, trend analysis skills, and effective capital management.
Example: A swing trader might buy XAU/USD when the price hits the 61.8% Fibonacci level on an H4 chart and hold until it reaches the next resistance.
3. Why Use Scalping and Swing Trading Strategies on TradingView?
TradingView offers powerful tools to execute both strategies effectively:
Flexible price charts: Supports multiple timeframes and chart types (candlestick, Renko).
Technical indicators: RSI, MACD, Bollinger Bands, Fibonacci, and more.
Price alerts: Set notifications for when prices hit support/resistance levels.
Pine Script: Customize indicators or automate trading strategies.
Tip: Use TradingView’s “Replay” feature to test scalping or swing trading strategies on historical data.
4. Scalping Strategy on TradingView
4.1. Tools and Setup
Timeframe: M1 or M5.
Indicators:
Bollinger Bands (period 20, deviation 2).
RSI (period 14, overbought 70, oversold 30).
Trading pairs: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, or XAU/USD (due to high liquidity).
4.2. Trading Rules
Buy signal:
Price touches the lower Bollinger Band.
RSI <30 (oversold).
Confirmed by a reversal candlestick pattern (e.g., Doji).
Sell signal:
Price touches the upper Bollinger Band.
RSI >70 (overbought).
Confirmed by a reversal candlestick.
Risk management:
Set Stop Loss 5–10 pips below the nearest support.
Take Profit at 10–15 pips or when the price hits the middle Bollinger Band.
4.3. Example
On an M5 EUR/USD chart, if the price touches the lower Bollinger Band at 1.0850 and RSI <30, enter a buy order. Set Stop Loss at 1.0840 and Take Profit at 1.0865. Exit when the price reaches the middle band.
Image illustration: EUR/USD M5 chart with Bollinger Bands and RSI (optimize alt text: “EUR/USD scalping chart TradingView”).
5. Swing Trading Strategy on TradingView
5.1. Tools and Setup
Timeframe: H4 or D1.
Indicators:
Fibonacci Retracement.
MACD (12, 26, 9).
Moving Averages (MA50, MA200).
Trading pairs: XAU/USD, GBP/USD, or BTC/USD.
5.2. Trading Rules
Buy signal:
Price hits the 50% or 61.8% Fibonacci level in an uptrend.
MACD crosses above the signal line.
Price is above MA50.
Sell signal:
Price hits the 50% or 61.8% Fibonacci level in a downtrend.
MACD crosses below the signal line.
Price is below MA50.
Risk management:
Set Stop Loss below the nearest support (20–50 pips, depending on the pair).
Take Profit at the next resistance or a 1:2 risk-reward ratio.
5.3. Example
On an H4 XAU/USD chart, if the price hits the 61.8% Fibonacci level at $1,950 in an uptrend and MACD confirms a buy signal, enter a buy order. Set Stop Loss at $1,930 and Take Profit at $2,000.
Image illustration: XAU/USD H4 chart with Fibonacci and MACD (optimize alt text: “XAU/USD swing trading chart TradingView”).
6. Tips for Applying Scalping and Swing Trading Strategies
Combine with fundamental analysis: Economic news (interest rates, NFP reports) can impact prices, especially in Forex and OANDA:XAUUSD gold.
Backtest strategies: Use TradingView’s “Replay” mode to test strategies before live trading.
Manage emotions: Scalping requires intense focus, while swing trading demands patience. Choose the strategy that suits your personality.
Optimize costs: Scalping incurs high spread costs, so choose a broker with low spreads.
7. Conclusion
Scalping and swing trading strategies offer profitable opportunities in Forex, OANDA:XAUUSD gold, and cryptocurrencies, depending on your trading style. With TradingView’s powerful tools like Bollinger Bands, Fibonacci, and MACD, you can easily implement these strategies. Try scalping on EUR/USD or swing trading on XAU/USD today and share your results with the TradingView community! Sign up for TradingView to explore more features and optimize your trading.
Is There the Best Moving Average For Swing Trading?Is There the Best Moving Average For Swing Trading?
In swing trading, moving averages are widely used to analyse market trends and identify potential turning points. In this article, we’ll dive into the most commonly used MAs, their unique characteristics, and how they can be applied in swing trading strategies.
What Are Moving Averages?
You definitely know what moving averages are. However, we need to start our article with a brief introduction to this market analysis tool.
A moving average (MA) is a fundamental tool in technical analysis that helps traders understand the direction of a market trend by smoothing out price fluctuations, often touted among the best indicators for swing trading. Instead of focusing on the volatile ups and downs, MAs calculate an average of prices over a specific period, such as 20, 50, or 200 periods. This gives traders a clearer picture of the overall trend by filtering out short-term volatility.
There are different types of moving averages, but they all work on the same principle: tracking the average price over time to highlight the market's trajectory. For example, a 20-period MA shows the average (usually closing price but a trader can choose highs, lows, and opens) over the past 20 periods, updating as new prices come in. This rolling calculation creates a line on the chart, making it easy to identify whether the market is trending upwards, downwards, or moving sideways.
Types of Moving Averages
Moving averages come in various forms, each with unique characteristics that cater to different trading styles and strategies.
Simple Moving Average (SMA)
The simple moving average (SMA) is the most straightforward type, calculated by averaging the closing prices (but a trader can choose any price type) over a set number of periods. For example, a 20-period SMA adds up the last 20 closing prices and divides by 20. It’s popular among traders who want a broader view of price trends without overreacting to short-term fluctuations, making it a contender for one of the best moving averages for swing trading. However, SMAs can lag behind price action, as they give equal weight to all prices in the calculation.
Hull Moving Average (HMA)
The hull moving average (HMA) is designed to reduce lag while maintaining a smooth line. By combining weighted averages with additional smoothing techniques, the HMA offers a balance of speed and clarity, making it an underrated moving average for swing trading.
Exponential Moving Average (EMA)
The exponential moving average (EMA) prioritises recent prices, giving them more weight in the calculation. This makes it more responsive to price changes compared to the SMA. Swing traders often use EMAs in faster-moving markets, where quick adjustments to trend shifts are crucial, with 8- and 21-period EMAs considered by some traders as two of the best EMAs for swing trading. For instance, a 20-period EMA reacts faster to sudden price movements than a 20-period SMA, helping traders spot potential reversals sooner.
Weighted Moving Average (WMA)
Similar to the EMA, the weighted moving average (WMA) also gives more importance to recent prices but does so with a linear weighting system. This means the most recent price has the greatest impact, gradually decreasing with older data. WMAs are less common but useful when traders want a more precise reflection of recent price action.
How to Use Moving Averages in Swing Analysis and Trading
Moving averages are versatile tools that can provide valuable insights for swing traders. Beyond highlighting trends, they can help identify potential turning points and dynamic support or resistance levels. Here’s how they’re commonly used in swing trading:
1. Identifying Trends
MAs are widely used to assess the direction of a trend. For instance, if the price consistently stays above a rising moving average, it suggests an upward trend. Conversely, when prices remain below a declining moving average, the market could be trending downward. Swing traders often rely on shorter moving averages, like the 20-period, for identifying trends that align with their trading horizon.
2. Spotting Reversals with Crossovers
Crossovers happen when two MAs intersect. A common example is a shorter MA crossing above a longer one, which may indicate a shift towards bullish momentum and vice versa.
3. Dynamic Support and Resistance
MAs act as floating support and resistance levels. MAs serve as a support level in an uptrend, with the price bouncing off it repeatedly. In a downtrend, the same moving average might act as resistance, limiting upward moves.
4. Filtering Market Noise
In choppy markets, MAs can smooth out minor fluctuations, making it easier to focus on the bigger picture. Swing traders often use longer MAs, such as the 50-day or 200-day, to filter out irrelevant short-term movements.
5. Timing Entry and Exit Zones
Many traders use crossovers to time their entries and exits, though it’s worth noting their lagging nature means they can result in untimely trades. They can also provide context. For example, if the price approaches a key moving average after a strong move, it might indicate a consolidation phase or a potential reversal, allowing traders to adapt their analysis.
Common Moving Averages for Swing Trading: The 20, 50, and 200 MAs
Swing traders often turn to the 20-, 50-, and 200-period moving averages as their go-to tools for analysing market trends. Each serves a specific purpose, helping traders gauge short-, medium-, and long-term price movements. These moving averages are often used together.
20-Period Moving Average
The 20-period MA is a favourite for short-term trend analysis. It reacts quickly to price changes; therefore, traders use it to identify recent momentum or potential trend shifts. Traders frequently watch for price “bounces” off the 20-period MA as potential indications of continuation in the current trend.
50-Period Moving Average
The 50-period MA provides a medium-term perspective, offering a smoother look at price trends. It’s slower to react than the 20-period MA but avoids being overly lagging. This balance makes it useful for identifying sustained trends while filtering out minor price noise. When prices interact with the 50-period MA, it often acts as a dynamic support or resistance level.
200-Period Moving Average
The 200-period MA is the benchmark for long-term trend analysis. It’s often used to determine the overall market direction. This MA is also a widely followed indicator for institutional traders, adding weight to its significance. Interactions with the 200-period MA often mark key turning points or areas of consolidation.
Traders also monitor crossovers between the 50- and 200-period MAs, recognised by some as the best moving average crossover for swing trading. For instance:
- Golden Cross: When the 50-period MA crosses above the 200-period MA, it suggests potential bullish momentum.
- Death Cross: When the 50-period MA drops below the 200-period MA, it signals a possible bearish shift.
Using Them Together
Using the 20-, 50-, and 200-period MAs together offers a comprehensive approach to identifying the best moving average crossover setups, allowing traders to see the bigger picture while still tracking short-term shifts. For instance, when the price breaks above the 200-period MA while the 20-period MA crosses above the 50-period MA, it may signal the beginning of a broader bullish trend. Meanwhile, a price drop below all three MAs could suggest broader bearish momentum.
Other Moving Average Combinations for Swing Trading
While the 20, 50, and 200-period MAs are staples in swing trading, exploring other combinations can offer nuanced insights tailored to specific trading strategies. Some alternative moving average setups that traders often employ include:
8-Period and 21-Period Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs)
This pairing is favoured by traders seeking to capture short-term price movements with greater sensitivity. They call this the best EMA crossover strategy. The 8-period EMA responds swiftly to recent price changes, while the 21-period EMA provides a slightly broader perspective.
10-Period and 50-Period Simple Moving Averages (SMAs)
Combining the 10- and 50-period SMAs offers a balance between short-term agility and medium-term trend identification. This combination helps traders filter out minor price fluctuations and focus on more sustained movements.
28-Period and 50-Period HMAs
For traders focused on short-to-medium-term trends, the 28- and 50-period HMAs offer a balanced approach. The 28-period HMA reacts quickly to price changes, while the 50-period HMA provides a steadier view of the broader trend. Crossovers between the two can signal potential bullish or bearish momentum shifts, benefiting from the HMA’s reduced lag.
13-Period and 34-Period WMAs
Rooted in Fibonacci sequences, the 13- and 34-period WMAs are employed by traders who believe in the natural rhythm of the markets. A 55-period WMA can also be included for a longer-term perspective. Crossovers between these WMAs can highlight potential trend reversals or continuations, with the WMA adapting more quickly than other MAs due to its weighted calculation.
Implementing These Combinations
When applying these moving average combinations, it's crucial to consider the following:
- Market Conditions: These combinations often perform better in trending markets versus ranging markets. Moreover, shorter MAs might be more effective in capturing quick price movements during high volatility.
- Timeframes: Traders align MAs with their trading horizon. Shorter periods like the 5-period or 8-period MAs are usually used by traders focusing on brief swings, while longer periods like the 50-period MA cater to those looking at extended trends.
- Confirmation with Other Indicators: Relying solely on moving averages can lead to false signals. Traders corroborate these signals with other technical indicators, such as Bollinger Bands or the Relative Strength Index (RSI).
What Moving Averages Should You Use for Swing Trading?
There is no best moving average for swing trading. The choice of MAs ultimately depends on a trader's strategy and preferences. The combinations discussed provide a framework, but experimenting with different setups can help identify what aligns with individual trading styles and objectives.
The Bottom Line
Moving averages are powerful tools for swing trading, offering insights into trends and potential market turning points. Whatever your unique preference for different types and lengths, understanding their application can refine your strategy.
FAQ
Which Moving Average Is Good for Swing Trading?
The 20-period, 50-period, and 200-period moving averages are widely used in swing trading. However, different combinations, like the 8- and 21-period or 13- and 34-period MAs can offer equally valuable insights; it ultimately comes down to the trader’s preference.
What Is the Most Popular Moving Average to Use?
The most popular moving average depends on a trader’s trading style and goals. Shorter MAs, like the 20-day MA, are popular for quick trend identification, while longer ones, such as the 200-day MA, provide a bigger picture. Many traders combine MAs to cover different timeframes.
Is 200 EMA Good for Swing Trading?
The 200-period EMA is useful for swing traders seeking to understand long-term trends. It reacts faster than the 200-period SMA, making it suitable for traders looking to incorporate a responsive indicator in their analysis.
Which Indicator Is Most Popular for Swing Trading?
There isn’t a single best indicator for swing trading. Moving averages, RSI, MACD, and volume indicators are commonly used. Combining these can provide a more comprehensive analysis.
Which Volume Indicator Is Popular for Swing Trading?
The On-Balance Volume (OBV) and Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) are popular volume indicators for swing traders, helping assess market momentum.
Which RSI Indicator Is Popular for Swing Trading?
The standard 14-period RSI is widely used. Swing traders often adjust it to shorter periods (e.g., 7) for faster signals or longer periods (e.g., 21) for smoother trends.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
The Yen’s Comeback Starts Here—and it Seems the COT Knew First1. Introduction: A Market Everyone Gave Up On
For a while, the Japanese Yen looked like a lost cause. After topping out in early 2021, Yen futures (6J1!) began an unrelenting slide, shedding value week after week like an old coat in spring. Traders stopped asking, “Where’s support?” and started asking, “How low can it go?”
The macro backdrop didn’t help. The Bank of Japan clung to ultra-loose monetary policy, even as the Fed hiked aggressively. Speculators piled on shorts. The Yen was a one-way ticket down, and no one seemed interested in punching the brakes.
But beneath that apathy, a quieter shift was underway. While price kept bleeding, trader positioning began to hint at something different—something the chart didn’t show yet. And if you were watching the Commitments of Traders (COT) report closely enough, you might’ve seen it.
2. The COT Trend That No One Was Watching
The COT report isn’t glamorous. It’s slow, lagging by a few days, and rarely makes headlines. But for those who track what the big players are doing—those large enough to be required to report their positions—it’s a treasure trove of subtle clues.
One of those clues is Total Reportable Positions. This metric tells us how active large market participants really are—regardless of whether they’re long or short. When that number is dropping, it suggests the “big dogs” are losing interest. When it starts climbing again? Someone’s gearing up to play.
From 2021 through most of 2024, Total Reportable Positions in 6J were in a steady decline—mirroring the slow death of the Yen's bullish case. But in late 2024, something changed. Using a simple linear regression channel on this COT data, a clear breakout emerged. Positioning was picking up again—for the first time in nearly three years.
And it wasn’t just a bounce. It was a structural shift.
3. Did Price Listen?
Yes—and no. Price didn't immediately explode higher. But the structure began to change. The market stopped making new lows. Weekly closes began to cluster above support. And importantly, a Zig Zag analysis started marking a pattern of higher lows—the first signs of accumulation.
Here’s where the chart really gets interesting: the timing of the COT breakout coincided almost perfectly with a key UFO support at 0.0065425—a price level that also marked the bottom in COT Traders Total Reportable Longs. This adds a powerful layer of confirmation: institutional orders weren’t just showing up in the data—they were leaving footprints on the chart.
And above? There’s a UFO resistance level at 0.0075395. If the Yen continues to climb, that could be a significant price level where early longs may choose to lighten up.
4. The Contract Behind the Story
Before we go deeper, let’s talk about what you’re actually trading when you pull the trigger on Yen Futures.
The CME Japanese Yen futures (6J) contract represents 12.5 million Japanese Yen, and each tick move—just 0.0000005 per JPY—is worth $6.25. It’s precise, it’s liquid, and for traders who like to build macro positions or take advantage of carry flows, it’s a staple.
As of May 2025, margin requirements hover around ~$3,800 (Always double-check with your broker or clearing firm—these numbers shift from time to time.)
But maybe you’re not managing seven-figure accounts. Maybe you just want to test this setup with more flexibility. That’s where the Micro JPY/USD Futures (MJY) come in.
Contract size: 1/10th the size of 6J
Tick move: 0.000001 per JPY increment = $1.25
Same market structure, tighter margin requirement around ~$380 per contract
Important note: The COT report aggregates positioning across the whole futures market—it doesn’t separate out micro traders from full-size. So yes, the data still applies. And yes, it still matters.
5. Lessons from the Shift
This isn’t about hindsight bias. The value in this setup isn’t that the Yen happened to bounce—it’s how Total Reportable Positions broke trend before price did.
Here are the real takeaways:
COT data may or may not be predictive—but it is insightful. When positioning starts expanding after a long contraction, it often signals renewed interest or risk-taking. That’s tradable information.
Technical support and resistance as well as highs and lows give context. Without them, COT breakouts can feel theoretical. With them, you have real, observable UFO levels where institutions may act—and where you can plan.
6. Watchlist Insights: Where This Might Work Again
You don’t have to wait for another yen setup to apply this framework. The same structure can help you scout for early positioning shifts across the CME product universe.
Here’s a simple filter to start building your own COT watchlist:
✅ Look for markets where:
Price has been in a long, clean downtrend (or uptrend)
Total Reportable Positions are falling—but starting to reverse
A breakout occurs in positioning trend (draw a regression channel and watch for a clean violation)
A key support or resistance lines up with recent extremes in COT positioning
Whether it's crude oil, corn, or euro FX, this template gives you a framework for exploration.
🎯 Want to See More Setups Like This?
We’re just getting started. If this breakdown opened your eyes to new ways of using COT reports, UFO levels, and multi-dimensional trade setups, keep watching this space.
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: tradingview.sweetlogin.com - This consideration is particularly important for shorter-term traders, whereas it may be less critical for those focused on longer-term trading strategies.
General Disclaimer:
The trade ideas presented herein are solely for illustrative purposes forming a part of a case study intended to demonstrate key principles in risk management within the context of the specific market scenarios discussed. These ideas are not to be interpreted as investment recommendations or financial advice. They do not endorse or promote any specific trading strategies, financial products, or services. The information provided is based on data believed to be reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Trading in financial markets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Each individual should conduct their own research and consult with professional financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author or publisher of this content bears no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided or for any resultant financial or other losses.
How to Set Up Multi-Timeframe Analysis (MTF) in TradingViewThis tutorial video explains what a time frame is, why traders use multiple time frames for their analysis, and how to set them up in TradingView for futures and other products.
Disclaimer:
There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.
April 2025 Market Crash: Causes, Impact, and Strategic ResponseApril 2025 will go down in financial history as one of the most turbulent months of the past decade. A large-scale market crash, triggered by geopolitical escalation and intensified trade tensions, revealed just how fragile the global investment landscape remains—even after a relatively stable start to the year.
What Happened?
On April 6, 2025, the U.S. administration announced sweeping tariffs of up to 145% on all Chinese imports. This decision, though preceded by months of political strain, took the markets by surprise. Panic-selling ensued almost immediately. The Dow Jones plummeted over 4,000 points within two days—the steepest decline since the COVID-era crash of 2020. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq followed suit, dropping 6–9% in a matter of hours.
Asian and European indices mirrored the collapse: Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell by 7.8%, and Germany’s DAX dropped by 5.4%. The synchronized reaction emphasized the ongoing interdependence of global markets, even in an era of growing protectionism.
Why It Matters
For GeldVision clients and institutional investors worldwide, such events highlight the importance of risk-managed portfolio strategies. The April crash wasn’t solely a reaction to tariffs—it was also driven by fears of a potential recession and uncertainty surrounding central bank policies.
Another destabilizing factor was the automatic response of algorithmic trading systems, which exited positions en masse as technical indicators were breached—amplifying volatility and accelerating the selloff.
How GeldVision Responded
Since early 2025, we at GeldVision have implemented a strategy of “adaptive conservatism,” gradually reducing equity exposure in client portfolios and reinforcing positions in defensive assets such as gold, investment-grade bonds, and liquid currency instruments.
During the height of the market turmoil, our team activated internal stress protocols, including temporary order freezes on automated buy-ins and direct client communications for real-time portfolio reviews. This proactive approach allowed us to minimize losses and maintain client confidence.
What’s Next?
We expect volatility to persist at least through Q3. For investors, the key is to avoid reactive decisions and maintain a long-term perspective. GeldVision will continue to expand its macroeconomic monitoring, enhance risk models, and provide clients with the tools needed to navigate uncertain markets safely.
European Stocks Rise Amid Positive NewsEuropean stock markets are experiencing a steady rise, buoyed by a series of encouraging developments that have boosted investor confidence and driven share prices higher. This wave of optimism is being fueled by both internal economic signals and an improving global environment, including stabilized interest rates and signs of a business rebound.
What's Driving the Growth?
One of the primary catalysts behind the rally is recent economic data showing a slowdown in inflation across the eurozone, alongside a revival in consumer demand. These indicators have strengthened expectations that the European Central Bank may soon pivot from a tight monetary stance to a more accommodative approach. Investors have welcomed these signals as evidence that the regional economy is adjusting well to challenging conditions and avoiding a deeper downturn.
Additionally, stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings reports have played a key role in lifting stock prices, particularly in the banking, technology, and industrial sectors. Major players such as Siemens, BNP Paribas, and SAP have posted solid gains, reflecting broader confidence in corporate resilience.
Renewed Investor Interest in Europe
Improving macroeconomic indicators are drawing renewed attention to European assets. With risks appearing more contained and equity yields remaining attractive, many investors are beginning to view the region as a compelling opportunity. Stock exchanges in Germany, France, and the Netherlands have stood out, showing consistent growth and high trading volumes.
Geopolitical factors are also contributing to the market’s upbeat tone. Gradual normalization of trade relations with key partners and the strengthening of the euro on foreign exchange markets are adding to investor enthusiasm.
What’s Next?
Analysts suggest that if current trends continue, European indices could reach new yearly highs. Key factors to watch in the near term include upcoming central bank decisions and fresh data on GDP growth and employment. Nevertheless, the present sentiment points toward confidence in the ongoing recovery.
Conclusion
The European stock market is entering a phase of stable growth, driven by favorable economic indicators, manageable inflation, and an improving business climate. Positive news continues to give investors reasons for optimism, and if momentum holds, Europe could emerge as one of the top-performing investment regions in the coming months.
Impatience Tax in Trading: The Costs of Clicking Too SoonHave you ever thought that maybe some of your losses don’t come from bad trades? Rather, they come from good trades, timed badly?
You see the setup, the signal’s almost there, the MACD is leaning in, the candle is flirting with support — and boom, you click. Early. Too early.
Price dips a bit more and then shoots upward like a rocket. Your stop gets triggered — you just paid the impatience tax.
Welcome to the place where you get taxed for being impatient — a very real, very expensive fee traders pay when their fingers move faster than their reasoning.
🤫 The Impatience Tax — A Silent Killer Dressed as Urgency
The impatience tax doesn’t appear on your statement. You won’t see it listed in your commissions, or under slippage, or labeled in red ink like a realized loss. But rest assured, it’s there — nibbling away at your P&L every time you front-run your own strategy.
And the worst part? It feels productive. You’re taking initiative, showing conviction, being bold. Except what you're really doing is lighting good setups on fire because you couldn’t wait for one more candle to close.
🧬 The Anatomy of an Early Click
Here’s how it usually goes:
You spot a setup.
You get excited.
You skip the checklist.
You enter on the 3rd candle instead of the 5th.
The market fakes out.
You get stopped out.
The market then does exactly what you expected — without you.
Every trader has lived this story. And it hurts more than a loss from a bad trade. Because this wasn’t a bad idea. It was a good idea butchered by bad timing.
🤝 Impatience Loves Company (And Volatility)
Impatience tends to thrive in fast markets. When the price is moving, you feel like you need to act. You notice some breaking news that moves markets, charts start to jiggle and tickers flash — suddenly your FOMO glands kick in.
You’re not waiting for confirmation. You’re reacting — to price, to emotion, to fear of missing out.
It’s not just beginners either. Even seasoned traders occasionally get sucked in. Why? Because the brain is wired to avoid missing opportunities more than it’s wired to avoid losses. We want in. Now. Before it's “too late.”
But here’s a pro secret: the markets tend to always give second chances. You just have to be around to take them.
⏰ Why the Best Traders Wait
Let’s talk about patience. Not the zen-monk, meditate-in-a-cave-for-years kind. The market kind.
The kind that says: “Nope, not yet.”
The kind that closes the platform until the London session starts.
The kind that lets a trade go because it didn’t meet all the criteria — even if it was close.
Top traders aren’t paid for activity. They’re paid for precision. The entry is 90% of the battle. If you win there, the rest is just management.
🧐 How to Identify an Impatience Habit
Want to know if you’re paying the impatience tax regularly? Try this:
Look at your last 10 triggered stop loss orders: How many were within a few ticks of reversal?
Count your trades per day: Are you averaging more than your strategy demands?
Review your entry notes: Did you say things like “close enough” or “looks good”?
If the answer is yes, you’re a tax-paying member of the Impatience Society.
👷♂️ Build a Buffer: Taming the Trigger Finger
So how do you stop paying the Impatience Tax?
Start with structure:
Use time-based confirmations. Wait for the candle to close. A candle halfway formed is a lie detector test mid-question.
Have a rule-based checklist. If a trade doesn’t meet every item, you don’t take it. No exceptions.
Use alerts , not entries. Let the price come to you. Your job is to hunt, not chase.
Trade fewer setups, better. Less is more when each trade has meaning and clarity.
And when in doubt? Wait. The worst that happens is you miss one trade. The best that happens is you finally stop losing money edge by edge.
💵 Impatience Is Expensive. Patience Is Profitable.
The market is designed to reward discipline, not urgency. Speed might help you scalp news reactions, but even that requires planned execution. Unchecked impatience is just impulse with a brokerage account.
It's important to always remember that you’re not trying to win this trade. You’re trying to win this game for the long run.
And winning the game means surviving long enough to let your edge play out — with patience, not panic.
💎 Final Thoughts: Don’t Confuse Action with Progress
The financial markets are a cruel place for dopamine seekers. They offer constant motion, flashing lights, and infinite temptation to click before thinking.
But progress isn’t about how many trades you take — it’s about how many good ones you wait for.
So next time your mouse finger twitches, ask yourself: Is this the plan? Or is this impatience disguised as opportunity seeking instant gratification?
Because every early click is a donation to someone else’s P&L.
👉 Your turn : What’s your best (or worst) story of jumping the gun? How have you built patience into your process — or are you still wrestling with the trigger? Let us know in the comments!