Ictconcepts
DXY Bearish Forecast for Quarter 2, 20251. Technical analysis
The idea is based in ICT's PO3; AMD pattern.
We have a rally above the open price of May 2025, to take out BSL above the highs.
It also aligns with Daily tf premium arrays to short from.
The lowest hanging fruit being the relative equal lows at equilibrium of the dealing range.
2. Fundamental analysis
Investor's confidence in the Dollar is low due to POTUS' tariffs.
ICT: Inner Circle Trader
PO3: Power of 3
AMD: Accumulation, Manipulation & Distribution
BSL: Buy side liquidity
tf: Timeframe
Bitcoin - Repeating History: 100k Next Target?Bitcoin is continuing to move with clean structure, driven by demand imbalances and breakout continuation setups. After the initial breakout from the mid-April range, price moved in a highly technical fashion, consolidating, breaking out, forming a fair value gap, and then retesting it before continuation. That exact structure looks like it's playing out again. Bitcoin just broke out of another multi-day consolidation and left behind a fresh 4h imbalance, suggesting the potential for another leg higher if it respects that zone on a pullback.
Consolidation Structure
The prior breakout came from a tight range just below $86,000. BTC spent several days compressing in that area, then broke out impulsively, creating a 4h FVG and retesting it cleanly. That retest held perfectly and launched a rally of nearly $10,000.
The current setup is structurally the same. BTC spent 8 days consolidating under $95,000, repeatedly testing the resistance without breaking it. It finally closed decisively above, leaving behind another fair value gap. The sequence is familiar, sideways accumulation, breakout, FVG left behind, and now a setup for retest.
Bullish/Bearish Scenarios
The bullish scenario is centered on a retest of the new 4h FVG, located between roughly $94,200 and $95,000. If price pulls back into that imbalance and buyers defend it, the setup for continuation is clean. Based on recent behavior, a successful retest here could easily carry BTC toward the $100,000 level.
If price instead breaks back below $94,000 and falls into the previous consolidation range, that invalidates the breakout structure. In that case, Bitcoin could either enter another range-bound phase or trap longs with a deviation. That would shift the focus to reassessing structure instead of chasing continuation.
Price Target and Expectations
The short-term upside target is $100,000. That level is both a psychological milestone and a likely liquidity magnet. From a structural perspective, it aligns with the last breakout leg, which moved over $9,000 after a similar retest setup. If buyers defend the FVG, there is not much in the way until $100,000.
The momentum behind the breakout supports that expectation. The move was impulsive, clear, and not showing signs of exhaustion. As long as structure holds, price is in a strong position to continue toward that key round number level.
Current Stance
This setup is not a breakout chase, it’s a retest setup. The breakout already happened, and the market left behind a fair value gap that now needs to be tested. If price pulls into the $94K to $95K zone and reacts strongly, that would confirm demand. That’s the moment to step in, with invalidation placed below the FVG and former resistance.
Until then, it's about staying patient and letting price come to the key level. The structure is clear, the plan is defined, and there’s no need to force a trade in the middle of the range.
Conclusion
Bitcoin looks like it’s repeating the exact same structure we saw earlier this month. Range, breakout, FVG, retest, that sequence played out before and led to a major leg higher. It’s playing out again now with nearly identical timing and behavior.
If the 4h imbalance holds, the next phase of this rally likely targets $100,000. The structure is clean, the behavior is technical, and there’s no reason to overcomplicate it. Let price do its thing, wait for the retest, and if the reaction is strong, follow the same playbook that’s already worked once this month.
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NAS100USD: Price Respects Bearish Structure at 62% FibGreetings Traders,
In today’s analysis on NAS100USD, we observe sustained bearish institutional order flow, and we aim to align with this directional bias by identifying high-probability selling opportunities.
KEY OBSERVATIONS:
1. Retracement into Premium Resistance:
Price has recently retraced into premium pricing levels, reaching the 62% Fibonacci retracement zone—a level that often acts as dynamic resistance. This retracement also aligned with a bearish breaker block, confirming institutional resistance at that level. The market has since shown signs of rejection, reinforcing the bearish narrative.
2. Emergence of Fair Value Gap (FVG) as a Key Resistance Array:
Following the rejection, a new FVG has formed, acting as a potential short-term resistance zone. This area provides a refined point of interest where institutions may look to re-engage in selling activity. The alignment of the FVG with previous resistance adds further confluence to the bearish setup.
TRADING PLAN:
We will monitor the newly formed FVG zone for signs of bearish confirmation. Upon confirmation, the plan is to execute short positions targeting liquidity pools in discounted price zones, in line with institutional price delivery patterns.
Remain focused, wait for confirmation, and make sure this idea aligns with your overall trading plan.
Kind Regards,
The Architect
Looking to short CL to continue lowerCL is making a corrective move higher before moving down to the ultimate target of last Daily structure leg down. It retraced to Daily bearish Fair Value Gaps (internal range liquidity zones) which should act as resistance. 15M bearish structure is in Extreme premium.
I'm looking for CL to break down bullish corrective structure on 5M chart and start a final move down.
NAS100USD: Bullish Scalping Opportunity from SupportGreetings Traders,
In today’s analysis of NAS100USD, we identify bullish institutional order flow, and as such, we aim to align with this narrative by seeking buying opportunities.
This setup presents a scalping opportunity on the lower timeframes, with price currently reacting to a bullish order block serving as a key institutional support zone. Upon confirmation, we anticipate a move toward the liquidity pool in premium pricing, which will serve as our target zone for profit-taking.
As always, remain disciplined, wait for clear confirmation, and manage risk accordingly.
Kind Regards,
The Architect
Ultimate Guide to Master ICT KillzonesWhy Timing Matters Just as Much as Price
Smart Money Concepts (SMC) and ICT methodologies are built on the idea that markets are manipulated by large players with precision. While most traders obsess over price levels, entry models, and liquidity zones, many fail to realize that none of those matter if they happen at the wrong time. Time is not an afterthought, it's a core part of the edge.
Price can show you where the move might happen, but time shows you when smart money is most likely to act. That window of action is what ICT calls the killzone.
What Are Killzones?
Killzones are specific time periods in the trading day when smart money typically executes large moves. These sessions have predictable volatility and institutional order flow. They are not just random hours, they coincide with major session opens and overlaps.
The most relevant killzones are:
London Killzone (LKO), 2 AM to 5 AM EST
New York Killzone (NYKO), 7 AM to 10 AM EST
New York Lunch/Dead Zone, 11:30 AM to 1 PM EST (low probability, often reversal traps)
Each killzone offers unique opportunities depending on how liquidity has been engineered prior. ICT-style setups are most reliable when they form within, or directly in anticipation of, these windows.
The Trap Before the Real Move
Smart money loves to trap retail traders. This trap usually happens just before or early in a killzone. For example, if price takes out a key high at 2:30 AM EST (London open), many retail traders see a breakout. But those in tune with SMC see it as a classic liquidity raid, bait before the reversal.
Once that external liquidity is taken, smart money shows its hand with displacement, a sudden, aggressive move in the opposite direction. This typically forms a clean imbalance (Fair Value Gap) or a breaker block. That’s your cue.
If the price returns to that level within the killzone, that’s the optimal entry window.
Confluence is King: Time, Liquidity, and Structure
The most reliable SMC setups happen when:
Liquidity is swept early into a killzone
Displacement confirms the real direction during the killzone
Entry happens via return to an FVG or OB created within that same session
The setup might still look right if it forms outside these windows, but without proper timing, it’s often just noise or engineered liquidity to trap impatient traders.
Real-World Example: NY Killzone Short
NY, At 8:30 AM EST, price runs above the Asian highs, sweeping liquidity
Displacement, Sharp bearish move breaks structure to the downside at 8:45 AM
Entry, Price retraces into the 5M FVG at 9:10 AM
Result, Clean reversal into a nice profit trageting liquidity, all within the NY session
Outside of this killzone structure, the same setup likely would have chopped or failed.
Common Mistakes Traders Make With Time
Chasing price outside of killzones, Setup might look good, but volume is thin and no follow-through comes
Assuming all killzones are equal, London setups are often cleaner in structure, while NY has more manipulation around news
Forcing trades in NY lunch, Midday reversals do happen, but they’re lower probability. If you're not already in a position by 11 AM EST, it's often best to wait for the next day
The Discipline Edge
Most traders overtrade not because they lack setups, but because they don’t filter based on time. By only trading when price interacts with your levels during active killzones, you immediately reduce the number of bad trades and increase your focus on meaningful opportunities.
Good setups are rare. Good setups in the right timing window are even rarer. That’s where consistency comes from.
Final Thoughts
Time is not optional. In SMC and ICT, it’s not enough to have the level, you need the timing. Killzones are your filter, your edge, and your context for every trade.
Once you understand how time and price move together, and stop treating every moment on the chart equally, your trading will start to reflect the true flow of smart money.
Wait for time, wait for price, then strike.
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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! 📈
NAS100USD: Bullish Continuation from Reclaimed SupportGreetings Traders,
In today’s analysis on NAS100USD, we identify ongoing bullish institutional order flow, and as such, we aim to align our trading opportunities with this upward bias.
Key Observations:
1. Retracement and Institutional Support:
Recent price action shows a healthy retracement, with price finding institutional support at the rejection block. This was followed by strong displacement to the upside, resulting in a bullish market structure shift. This suggests the retracement may be complete, with further bullish continuation likely.
2. Reclaimed Order Block as Key Support Zone:
Currently, price is approaching a reclaimed order block—a zone where institutions previously initiated buying before price traded higher. When price returns to this area, institutions often reclaim the zone to initiate new long positions. This reclaimed block is further strengthened by the alignment with a fair value gap (FVG), enhancing the zone’s validity as institutional support.
Trading Plan:
We will monitor this reclaimed FVG zone for confirmation of bullish intent. Upon confirmation, we will look to enter long positions targeting liquidity pools in premium pricing zones, where buy-side liquidity is likely to reside.
Stay disciplined, wait for confirmation, and ensure the idea aligns with your broader strategy.
Kind Regards,
The Architect
NAS100USD: Institutional Selling Initiated at Premium LevelsGreetings Traders,
Today on NAS100USD, the market is currently operating within a clear bearish institutional order flow. In alignment with this directional bias, we are seeking selling opportunities supported by several key confluences.
Key Observations:
1. Liquidity Sweep at Premium Pricing:
Price has retraced deeply into a premium zone, sweeping the buy stops above a recent swing high. This suggests smart money is executing sell-side order pairing at extreme premium levels, utilizing retail liquidity for institutional distribution. When this occurs, price typically seeks rebalancing at fair value zones and continues toward discount levels.
2. Resistance at Fair Value Gap:
Following the liquidity sweep, price encountered resistance at a previously identified fair value gap (FVG). This FVG has held effectively, reinforcing the bearish outlook and acting as a high-probability rejection zone.
3. Market Structure Shift (MSS):
The market has now confirmed a bearish market structure shift, further validating the downside bias. This shift positions us to anticipate a continuation move.
4. Mitigation Block as Entry Zone:
We are currently watching a mitigation block for potential re-entries. These blocks represent zones where smart money mitigates previous long positions and introduces new short positions in alignment with the prevailing trend. If confirmed, they offer a strategic point to enter short trades.
Trading Plan:
Monitor the mitigation block for confirmation and look to enter with the broader institutional trend. Targets will include fair value regions and deeper liquidity pools at discount prices.
Remain patient and disciplined, and always ensure your analysis aligns with your trading plan.
Kind Regards,
The Architect
SILVER 4H New Week OutlookSo we had a market structure shift on TVC:SILVER : Order block + Strong Move + Imbalance. I am looking a continuation to the downside, my eyes are on the Sellside Liquidity zone. I will make an entry based on how price reacts to the Balanced Price Range zone (The zone with overlapping Fair Value Gaps). Patience is our best friend now. Happy Trading Week.
Watching closely $93,900 level.BTCUSDT Weekly Update
Bitcoin has successfully broken through its previous resistance area and is currently testing a new resistance zone. We are closely watching the $93,900 level. If the market provides confirmation of a rejection or reversal at this level, we will consider entering a short position targeting the marked FVG (Fair Value Gap) zone.
This FVG is a bullish imbalance zone, which previously contributed to market momentum. If the price moves lower, we plan to exit short positions near the FVG zone and look for confirmation to enter buy-side trades, aligning with the existing bullish market structure.
Let's closely monitor these levels throughout the week. If price action aligns, we anticipate strong trading opportunities on both sides of the market.
NASDAQ Bullish Monday (MMBM, Quarterly Theory) Hello guys, looking at the current weekly profile, as well as the 4h bullish outbreak, im expecting to see Monday pushing into my marked weekly Orderblock. This scenario is especially to my liking of a high probability for a London Reversal. I want to see London sweep Sell Side Liquidity and tap into a Discount Area.
XRP - Bulls Preparing to Push Towards $2.50XRP has maintained a bullish tone after completing a significant gap fill, currently consolidating around $2.18. The previous impulsive move left behind an unmitigated imbalance below, suggesting that the market could be preparing for a controlled retracement. The overall structure remains bullish, but a corrective dip into key demand zones would align with healthy price development before the next leg higher.
Imbalance Structure and Retest Expectation
During the rally from the sub-$2.00 range, XRP formed a sharp move that created an inefficiency between approximately $2.05 and $2.12. This gap between buyers and sellers indicates that liquidity was left behind, often acting as a magnet for price.
Currently, XRP appears to be positioning itself to retest this imbalance, refilling orders and potentially gathering the momentum needed for a stronger continuation. I expect price to sweep into this zone, likely finding responsive buyers as it rebalances the inefficiency and revisits previous structural points of interest.
Reaction Zone and Bullish Confirmation
The primary area of interest lies firmly within the $2.05 to $2.12 range. A reaction from this zone, confirmed by strong bullish price action such as a higher low formation or a bullish engulfing candle, would validate the setup for further upside.
Following the retracement and bounce, the immediate objective will be a clean break above the $2.30 resistance. This level has acted as a cap on recent price action and represents a key liquidity threshold. A decisive move through this resistance would open the path toward higher targets, confirming the strength of the new impulsive phase.
Upside Target Projection
My upside target for this trade idea is located at $2.47. This level coincides with a previous high and clusters near the upper boundary of visible supply zones on the higher timeframes. Reaching this target would represent a continuation of the broader bullish structure while also completing a logical expansion leg relative to the recent price range.
Risk Management and Invalidation
The bullish bias remains valid as long as XRP holds above the lower boundary of the imbalance zone, around $2.05. A sustained breakdown below this level, particularly if accompanied by strong bearish momentum, would invalidate the idea, signaling that a deeper retracement is unfolding.
Until such invalidation occurs, the approach remains to monitor the retracement into the key demand zone and assess the strength of the subsequent reaction for potential long entries.
Conclusion
XRP is showing strong structural signs of bullish continuation but may first revisit the unfilled imbalance below. A clean reaction from this zone, followed by a break above $2.30, would likely set the stage for a rally into the $2.47 target. Patience is key in awaiting the retest and confirming bullish intent before execution.
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Thanks for your support!
If you found this idea 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! 📈
Incoming sells?! AUDCAD bearish sentiment Good day traders, I’m back with another setup on AudCad. Before I go into the thinking behind this setup I’d like to remind you that on the higher TF’s we still very much bearish that’s is my reasoning behind the bearish sentiment.
On Tuesday we saw price close lower to give us our high of the week but price has been disrespecting the high since Wednesday but failing to close above that high showing strength lower(Friday bearish candle). Going into the new week I believe we can expect price to keep disrespecting the high because we believe that CAD is gonna be weak but keeping the overall direction in mind(bearish) we do not wanna see price closing higher than the Tuesday’s high of the day.
4H we have shifted structure lower but price is still trading in the premium area, should price not fall below the low of previous week than we can expect manipulation higher to fill the FVG on the Weekly before continuing lower.
ES Futures-ICT Concepts (Levels for 4/28-5/2)Levels to observe for next week April 28 through May 2, 2025
Based on ICT concepts, There has been a change in the states of delivery (CISD) and Fair value gap (FVG) that has formed on the daily time frame.
This, of course, is after price has delivered lower into a discount area.
Looking for by programs on Monday and Tuesday, given that it’s is NFP protocol.
NAS100USD: Bullish Scalping Opportunity Within Fair Value GapGreetings Traders,
On NAS100USD, the current market structure is clearly bullish. To capitalize on this momentum, we aim to align our intraday opportunities with the prevailing trend.
At present, price has retraced into a fair value gap (FVG), presenting a potential high-probability zone for a bullish reaction. Upon receiving confirmation, this setup offers a favorable opportunity to enter long positions, with the objective of targeting the liquidity pool situated above.
Key Focus:
Structure: Bullish
Entry Zone: Fair Value Gap (retracement)
Target: Overhead liquidity pool
As always, ensure confirmation before executing any trades, and remain disciplined in managing your risk.
Kind Regards,
The Architect
NAS100USD: Bearish Continuation Likely After Liquidity GrabGreetings Traders!
As we transition into the New York session, increased market volatility is expected. Currently, NAS100USD is showing signs of potential further bearish continuation. This outlook is supported by a draw on liquidity toward downside liquidity pools and a notable inefficiency—an unfilled gap left earlier in the week.
Key Observations:
1. Unfilled Gap – A Draw on Liquidity:
The market has left behind an inefficiency in the form of a price gap, which typically acts as a magnet for price. Although such inefficiencies are not always filled immediately, they often become targets for future price movement as the market seeks balance.
2. Reclaimed Order Block Breach – Engineered Liquidity:
Price has recently broken below a reclaimed order block that was serving as a temporary resistance zone. This indicates that the market was hunting for liquidity at a relatively premium price—above a key resistance level. The presence of relatively equal highs in this area further supports the notion that this was an engineered liquidity zone.
Engineered liquidity refers to zones designed by smart money to entice retail participation. Once sufficient liquidity is gathered, institutions then drive price through these zones to execute large sell orders at a premium.
3. Downside Targets – Liquidity Pools and Gaps:
With resistance now confirmed as engineered liquidity, smart money is likely to shift focus to the downside. Key targets include liquidity pools at lower price levels and the aforementioned inefficiency, which represents an area of fair value—ideal for profit-taking and potential continuation of institutional selling.
Trading Strategy:
Monitor price for confirmation within any short-term retracements. Selling opportunities aligned with institutional intent may present themselves as price gravitates toward the inefficiency and deeper liquidity zones.
Stay focused, remain patient, and ensure all trades align with your trading plan.
Kind Regards,
The Architect
Trading EURUSD AUDUSD NZDUSD | Judas Swing Strategy 22/04/2025We've executed 4 trades so far this week using the Judas Swing Strategy and in this write up, we're breaking down exactly how each one played out. We didn't get any trading opportunities on Monday but Tuesday gave us textbook setups on both FX:EURUSD and OANDA:AUDUSD , and if you’ve been following this series, you know the Judas Swing Strategy thrives where liquidity lies and manipulation gives way to opportunity.
Tuesday’s price action on FX:EURUSD opened with familiar signs: ranging structure and liquidity building on both sides. By 09:05 EST, price made the typical fakeout a sharp move to the downside that swept the lows and trapped breakout sellers.
This gave us confirmation to look for the real move, the reversal.
Price broke structure to the upside, creating a Fair Value Gap. As expected, price retraced into that imbalance, and we executed the buy.
Entry: 1.14677
SL: 1.14559
TP: 1.14913
Take profit was cleanly hit with minimal drawdown. No stress. No second-guessing
OANDA:AUDUSD printed a similar setup. The fake move to the downside swept liquidity below an earlier low and shifted structure to the upside. We entered buy once price returned to fill the Fair Value Gap
The trade nearly hit TP but reversed just shy of it, eventually stopping us out.
Entry: 0.63868
SL: 0.63770
TP: 0.64064
It stung a little, but here's where our data-driven edge comes in. We follow a set-and-forget execution model because our backtesting shows that this approach works more in our favor than not. Situations like this will happen. Sometimes price dances around your TP before flipping. It’s part of trading
The next day was a solid one using the Judas Swing strategy, this time across both OANDA:AUDUSD and $NZDUSD. Let’s walk through how the setups unfolded on Wednesday and why both trades played out almost identically in terms of narrative and structure.
The session kicked off with a consolidation forming, setting up a clean range to be targeted. Liquidity had built up nicely above the highs and lows of the pre-market structure. Classic.
As expected, once our session started, price punched higher, sweeping the buy-side liquidity above the early session range. This was our Judas move a strategic fakeout to trigger breakout longs and inject liquidity.
But the key here is what came next.
Price immediately stalled after the sweep and printed a clean break of structure to the downside. That shift was our clue that the buy-side move was done and the real selloff was likely on deck for OANDA:AUDUSD and $NZDUSD.
Price pulled back into the Fair Value Gap (FVG) formed during displacement, giving us a clean entry setup:
Entry: 0.64130
SL: 0.64360
TP: 0.63669
As soon as we entered, the trade moved with conviction minimal drawdown and a smooth ride into target but the OANDA:NZDUSD couldn't hit TP and the trade is still running
NAS100USD: Reclaimed Order Block Signals Further DownsideGreetings Traders!
In today’s analysis of NAS100USD, we observe a momentary shift into bearish institutional order flow, confirmed by the formation of successive lower lows. This structural development signals the potential for continued downside movement.
Key Observations:
Bearish Institutional Order Flow:
The consistent break of lows supports a bearish bias, providing a framework for seeking short opportunities in alignment with institutional intent.
Confluent Bearish Arrays:
Key bearish arrays—including the mitigation block and a reclaimed order block—are currently aligned. These zones, if respected, could serve as strong resistance and provide high-probability entry areas for short positions.
Trading Strategy:
Should price retrace into these arrays and provide confirmation, we can look to enter sell positions with the expectation of further downside aligned with the prevailing order flow.
Stay disciplined, remain patient, and trade only with confirmation.
Kind Regards,
The Architect
XauUsd (Gold)Good day traders, I haven’t been feeling well but I thought let me give you Gold will I recover.
Gold on the 4h we had a shift in structure lower and for our daily that’s just confirms a reversal I’ve been anticipating for a while now.
But here we focusing on what price is currently doing on the 1 hour and 15 minutes, there in that rectangle box that represents my inverse FVG which we saw price close above. Now we wanna see price falling the close below that inverse to enter long.