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7 Practical Exercises to Build Patience in TradingI often talk about patience, planning, strategy, and money management, yet many of you tell me that you lack patience, can’t resist impulses, and struggle to follow your plan when emotions take over. So today, we’re skipping the theory and diving straight into practical exercises that will help you train your patience just like you would train a muscle. If you want bigger biceps, you do dumbbell curls. If you want more patience in trading, try these exercises. ________________________________________ 1. The “Observer” Exercise – Train Yourself to Resist Impulsive Trading Goal: Improve discipline and reduce the urge to enter trades impulsively. How to do it: • Open your trading platform and set a timer for 2 hours. • During this time, you are not allowed to take any trades, only observe price action. • Write down in your journal: What do you feel? Where would you have entered? Would it have been a good decision? Advanced level: Increase the observation time to a full session. ✅ Benefit: This exercise reduces impulsiveness and helps you better understand market movements before making decisions. ________________________________________ 2. The “One Trade Per Day” Rule – Eliminate Overtrading Goal: Train yourself to select only the best setups. How to do it: • Set a rule: “I am allowed to take only one trade per day.” • If you take a trade, you cannot enter another, no matter what happens in the market. • At the end of the day, analyze: Did you choose the best opportunity? Were you tempted to overtrade? ✅ Benefit: Helps you filter out bad trades and eliminates overtrading, a common issue for impatient traders. ________________________________________ 3. The “Decision Timer” – Avoid Impulsive Entries Goal: Help you make better-thought-out trading decisions. How to do it: • When you feel the urge to enter a trade, set a 30-minute timer and wait. • During that time, review your strategy: Is this entry aligned with your trading plan? Or is it just an emotional impulse? • If after 30 minutes you still think the trade is valid, go ahead. ✅ Benefit: This exercise slows down decision-making, helping you think rationally rather than emotionally. ________________________________________ 4. The “No-Trade Day” Challenge – Strengthen Your Self-Control Goal: Prove to yourself that you can stay out of the market without feeling like you're missing out. How to do it: • Pick one day per week where you are not allowed to take any trades. • Instead, use the time to study the market, analyze past trades, and refine your strategy. • At the end of the day, reflect: Did you experience FOMO? Was it difficult to resist trading? ✅ Benefit: Increases discipline and teaches you that you don’t have to be in the market all the time to succeed. ________________________________________ 5. The “Walk Away” Method – Stop Micromanaging Trades Goal: Reduce stress and prevent over-monitoring after placing a trade. How to do it: • After placing a trade, walk away from your screen for 1 to 2 hours. • Set alerts or use stop-loss/take-profit orders so you’re not tempted to constantly check the price. ✅ Benefit: Reduces emotional reactions and prevents overmanagement of trades. ________________________________________ 6. The “Frustration Tolerance” Drill – Train Yourself to Accept Losses and Missed Opportunities Goal: Build resilience to emotional discomfort in trading. How to do it: • Watch the market and deliberately let a good opportunity pass without taking it. • Observe your frustration, but do not act. Instead, write in your journal: How does missing this opportunity make me feel? • Remind yourself that there will always be another opportunity and that chasing trades leads to bad decisions. ✅ Benefit: Helps reduce FOMO and makes you a calmer, more disciplined trader. ________________________________________ 7. The “Trading Plan Repetition” Exercise – Build a Strong Habit Goal: Reinforce discipline and reduce deviations from your plan. How to do it: • Every morning, before opening your trading platform, write down your trading rules by hand. • Example: o “I will not enter a trade unless all my conditions are met.” o “I will not move my stop-loss further away.” o “I will close my platform after placing a trade.” • Handwriting strengthens mental reinforcement, and daily repetition turns it into a habit. ✅ Benefit: Increases self-discipline and keeps you committed to your strategy. ________________________________________ Final Thoughts If you’ve read this far, you now have a concrete plan to build patience in trading. Remember, trading success isn’t just about technical analysis and strategies—it’s about discipline and emotional control. Just like a bodybuilder follows a structured routine to develop muscles, you must practice patience and discipline daily to master trading psychology.
Education
by Mihai_Iacob
24
Harsh Truth About Forex & Gold Trading: In Books VS In Reality Most traders start their trading journey by studying theory first, reading books or taking video courses before putting these newfound skills into practice. But once they start trading on a real market, they quickly realize that things are not as straightforward as the books make them out to be. In this educational article, we will take a critical look at the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. 📍And first of all, do not get me wrong. I am not trying to imply that trading books or courses are bad. Theoretical knowledge is essential for successful trading, and of course the books are the best source of that. The problem is, however, that books can be misleading . The examples in books are always tailored. When the authors are looking for the examples of the patterns, of key levels, they are looking for the ideal cases. 📍The problem becomes even worse, when one start studying the trade examples in books. And of course, the authors choose the brilliant winning trades with huge take profits and tiny stop losses. I guess you saw these pictures of "sniper" entry trades with 5/1 R/R. The inexperienced trader may start thinking that the markets are perfect and act in total accordance with the books. That all the trades that he will take will bring tremendous profits. That the identified patterns will work exactly as it was described. 📍The harsh truth is that books and courses are simply the compositions of different examples, cases and market situations. In reality, each and every trading setup is unique . The reaction of the price to the same pattern will be always different . Please, realize the fact that books are only good for acquiring the knowledge. But in order to survive on financial markets, you need the experience . And the experience will be gained only after studying thousands of real market examples in real time. 📍Here is the example of a double top pattern that we were trading with my students on AUDJPY. In books, double tops are always perfect . Once the market breaks the neckline, the price retests that and then quickly drops. So the one can set a tiny stop loss and a big take profit. However, after a retest of a broken neckline, AUDJPY bounced and the market maker was stop hunting the newbies. Our stop loss was way above the head, and we managed to survive. Even though the pattern triggered a bearish movement, the reaction of the market was far from perfect. Be prepared, that the market will much different from what you see in the books. Good luck to you! ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
4
To fade or not to trade? (Example: EUR/USD)There is a correction taking place in the US dollar uptrend. Do we trade against the prevailing trend, or sit on our hands and do nothing? To fade or not to trade, that is the question. On a surface level, the current environment is a trading range - following a long downtrend. When a strong major trend has been in place for around 3 months - sometimes sooner - sometimes later (we have observed 3 months as a good benchmark) something has to change - either there is a significant correction or the trend reverses. The challenge lies in distinguishing between the two. Reacting too early risks fighting momentum, while reacting too late means missing an opportunity. After years of trading, I’ve realised the goal is not to guess – but to follow a structured trading system that tilts the odds in our favor. The system doesn’t work every time of course but it gives you a way to approach the market. Let me outline now - a system using Fractals & the 30-Week Moving Average to help you decide which way to trade the market 1. Identify the Primary Trend Use the 30-week moving average (30 WMA) as the trend filter. Uptrend: Price is consistently above the 30 WMA, and the slope is rising. Downtrend: Price is consistently below the 30 WMA, and the slope is falling. A strong trend remains in place as long as price respects the 30 WMA. A violation suggests a shift is possible. 2. Look for Fractal Confirmation of a Shift In an uptrend, a higher low followed by a higher high confirms continuation. In a downtrend, a lower high followed by a lower low confirms continuation. * The key fractal to watch for a potential bottom after a downtrend – is the first higher low after a downtrend correction that made a higher high (potential bottom) * The key fractal to watch for a potential top after an uptrend – is the first lower high after an uptrend correction that made a lower low (potential reversal) So, how about what’s happening now? The weekly chart shows a base has formed at 1.02 in EUR/USD. Price closed last week right at support-turned-resistance around 1.05. A ‘higher high’ was formed followed by a ‘higher low’ as demonstrated by the green and red fractals accordingly. However, the price remains below the 30-week moving average. We can see the setup better on the daily chart as a shallow downtrend line. The pattern beneath the trendline is a messy inverse head and shoulders. As such, should the trendline break to the upside it is a bullish signal. And if the trendline holds, it signals the trend is still just consolidating before a continuation lower. We think there’s a good chance this trendline breaks given the alignment of the weekly fractals. So fade the downtrend or ignore the move upwards? To answer that it helps to think about the next step. If the price does break higher, how high is it likely to go? There is resistance at 1.06 from the late November and December peaks. Then the 50% Fibonacci retracement and the 30-week moving average come in around 1.07. The reason fading a trend has a lower probability of success vs trading with the trend is because there is so much nearby resistance (in the case of trading a bottom). You can absolutely fade this trend but our experience tells us the price often fails at a nearby resistance level, capping the risk:reward potential on long positions- and simultaneously offering a nice opportunity for short positions. But - as always - that’s just how the team and I are seeing things, what do you think? Share your ideas with us - OR - send us a request! Drop us a comment! cheers! Jasper
by jasperlawler
9
The Main Elements of Profitable Trading Strategy (Forex, Gold) There are hundreds of different trading strategies based on fundamental and technical analysis. These strategies combine different tools and trading techniques. And even though, they are so different, they all have a very similar structure. In this educational article, we will discuss 4 important elements and components every GOLD, Forex trading strategy should have. What Do You Trade 1️⃣ The first component of a trading strategy is the list of the instruments that you trade. You should know in advance what assets should be in your watch list. For example, if you are a forex trader, your strategy should define the currency pairs that you are trading among the dozens that are available. How Do You Trade 2️⃣ The second element of any trading strategy is the entry reasons. Entry reasons define the exact set of market conditions that you look for to execute the trade. For example, trading key levels with confirmation, you should wait for a test of a key level first and then look for some kind of confirmation like a formation of price action pattern before you open a trade. Above, is the example how the same Gold XAUUSD chart can be perceived differently with different trading strategies. 3️⃣ The third component of a trading strategy is the position size of your trades. Your trading strategy should define in advance the rules for calculating the lot of size of your trades. For example, with my trading strategy, I risk 1% of my trading account per trade. When I am planning the trading position, I calculate a lot size accordingly. Position Management 4️⃣ The fourth element of any trading strategy is trade management rules. By trade management, I mean the exact conditions for closing the trade in a loss, taking the profit and trailing stop loss. Trade management defines your actions when the trading position becomes active. Make sure that your trading strategy includes these 4 elements. Of course, your strategy might be more sophisticated and involve more components, but these 4 elements are the core, the foundation of any strategy. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
5
Portfolio Selection for the Week – 10th February 2025This portfolio selection is for educational purposes only! The key to successful trading lies in consistency. Consistent decision-making, combined with a positive edge, is what leads to long-term success in the markets. This is why we regularly conduct portfolio selection. At present, the Japanese Yen (JPY) is the strongest currency, followed by the US Dollar (USD), Australian Dollar (AUD), and Canadian Dollar (CAD). On the weaker side, we see Swiss Franc (CHF), Euro (EUR), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), and British Pound (GBP). Most currency pairs have been experiencing secondary trends. Once this phase concludes, we can look to align trades with the dominant market trend. If you find this content valuable, hit the boost and share your thoughts in the comments! Wishing you a profitable trading week! 🚀📈
Education
by Charts247TradingAcademy
CADJPY: Strong Reversal After Liquidity GrabEducational Insight The market surged to the upside, targeting liquidity highs to trigger stop losses. Once liquidity was cleared, price stalled and reversed sharply. By marking key candle highs and lows, we identified swing points to count the market waves. We applied the 2 Data Points Rule to validate the break of support or resistance—this is a crucial concept in confirming true market structure shifts. Additionally, we analysed the wavesofsuccess wave structure, focusing on the Momentum Low and what to anticipate when price reaches this level. 🚀 If this insight adds value to your trading, smash the boost and drop a comment! Blessings.
by Charts247TradingAcademy
2
Top 5 Tips to Increase Your Profits in Trading In this educational article, I will share with you very useful tips how to improve your profitability in trading the financial markets. 1. Decrease the number of financial instruments in your watch list. ⬇️ Remember that each individual instrument in your watch list requires attention. The more of them you monitor on a daily basics, the harder it is to keep focus on them. In order to not miss early confirmation signals and triggers, it is highly recommendable to reduce the size of your watch list and pay closer attention to the remaining instruments. 2. Avoid taking too many positions. ❌ For some reason, newbie traders are convinced that they should constantly trade and keep many trading positions. Firstly, I want to remind you that the management of an active position is a quite tedious process that requires time and attention. Therefore, more positions are opened, more time and effort is required. Secondly, if the newbies can not spot a good setup, they assume that they are obliged to open some positions and they start forcing the setups. Remember, that in trading, the quality of the trading setup beats the quantity. I advise taking less trades, but the better ones. 3. Let winners run if the market is going in the desired direction. 📈 Once you caught a good trade and the market is moving where you predicted, do not let your emotions close the trade preliminary. Try to get maximum from your trade, closing that only after the desired level is reached. 4. Open a trade after multiple confirmations.✅ Analyzing a certain setup remember, that more confirmations you spot, higher is the accuracy of the trade that you take. In order to increase your win rate, it is recommendable to wait for at least 2 confirmations. 5. Don't trade on your cellphone. 📱 A good trade always requires a sophisticated analysis that is impossible to execute on the small screen of the cellphone. A lot of elements and nuances simply will not be noticed. For that reason, trade only from a computer with a wide screen. Relying on these tips, you will substantially increase your profits. Take them into the consideration and good luck to you in your trading journey. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
17
Key Elements in Trading & Investing ManagementKey Elements in Trading & Investing Management: Your Blueprint for Success 📊 🔍 Risk/Reward Analysis: Every trade or investment should start with a thorough risk/reward assessment. This ensures you're not just chasing gains but are aware of the potential downside. 🎯 Clear Entry & Exit Strategies: Define your entry and exit points before you trade. This discipline keeps your strategy on track, whether the market moves in your favor or against it. 🏞️ Embrace Market Volatility: Accept drawdowns as part of the trading journey. Just as you'd celebrate profits, handle losses with the same composure to maintain your strategic approach. 🔄 Consistency in Strategy: Avoid tweaking your strategy after a loss. Stick to your rules to foster a consistent trading methodology. 🔧 Utilize All Available Tools: Leverage every tool at your disposal on platforms like TradingView—indicators, charts, and risk management features—to make informed decisions. 🎯 Set Profit Targets & Stop Losses: Implement break-even points and stop-loss orders to secure profits and minimize losses, ensuring each trade is managed with precision. 💰 Focus on Capital Preservation: Your primary goal should be to protect and grow your capital, not just to celebrate short-term wins. Long-term sustainability is key. 📈 Compound Your Success: Use your gains wisely to compound your investments rather than risking them on speculative bets. Let your edge work for you over time. 🌟 Master Your Trading Edge: Identify what gives you an advantage in the market, be it technical analysis, fundamental insights, or a unique approach, and harness it consistently. 💵 Implement Dollar Cost Averaging for Stability:Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is your ally for those looking to invest without timing the market. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, you buy more shares when prices are low 📉 and fewer when prices are high 📈, averaging out the cost over time. This strategy mitigates the impact of volatility 🌪️ and reduces the risk of investing a lump sum at a peak price. Consistent Investment: Set up a schedule to invest, say, weekly or monthly, into your chosen assets. 🗓️ Emotional Discipline: DCA helps remove emotion from investing decisions, promoting a disciplined approach. 😌 Long-Term Growth: Over time, this method can lead to significant returns as you accumulate more shares at varied price points. 🌱📈 Incorporate DCA into your broader strategy to enhance your risk/reward balance, ensuring that you're not just reacting to market highs and lows but methodically building your investment base. 💡
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by DCAChampion
THE KOG REPORT - ELECTION SPECIAL COMPLETEDKOG first published this chart at the beginning of November prior to the US Election with our view of the movement expected and the trade plan for the month. We highlighted the path with the Red arrows and added the green arrows with the actual movement. As you can see, we weren't too far off with the projection using it to then trade the levels intra-day and for the swings successfully. It's worked well and combined with our tools, indicators, algo and target activations we can honestly say it's been another great year in Camelot. We will end this idea here and mark it as completed at the green arrow point above. Please do support us by hitting the like button, leaving a comment, and giving us a follow. We’ve been doing this for a long time now providing traders with in-depth free analysis on Gold, so your likes and comments are very much appreciated. As always, trade safe. KOG
OANDA:XAUUSD
by KnightsofGold
2
Understanding Trends and Waves in TradingIntroduction In trading education, recognising price movements is crucial. Prices move in trends, and these trends move in waves. Understanding these waves is essential for successful trading. The Two Types of Waves Impulsive/Primary Trend Comprises a minimum of five waves. Dictates the overall direction of price movement. Corrective/Secondary Trend Comprises a maximum of three waves. Provides insights into the ongoing trend. This phase is the most critical for traders to master. Conclusion To trade successfully in a trending market, it’s vital to learn how to accurately count waves. Mastering this skill can significantly enhance your trading decisions. Best wishes for your trading success!
Education
by Charts247TradingAcademy
5
Learn How to Avoid Margin Call in Trading Hey traders, In this educational article, I will share with you 5 simple tips that will help you not to blow your trading and avoid margin call. 1️⃣ Always Use Stop Loss. Let's start with the obvious - with the stop loss order. Never ever trade without that. Before you open your trade, plan in advance its placement, stick to it once the position becomes active and never remove it. 2️⃣ Manage Your Position Sizes I know that most of you are trading with a fixed lot. That is a bad habit. You should measure the lot size for each trading position you take. You should define in advance the risk percentage you are willing to lose per trade and calculate the lot sizes for your trades accordingly, then. 3️⃣ Avoid Taking Too Many Positions Remember that in trading, quantity does not imply quality. The more trades you take, the harder it is to manage each position individually. I would suggest opening maximum 5 trades per day and holding no more than 8 trades simultaneously. 4️⃣ Avoid Trading Too Many Markets The wider is your watch list, the harder it is to focus on each individual element inside. Do not try to control as many markets as possible, instead, narrow your watch list and concentrate your attention on your favorite trading instruments. 5️⃣ Remember About Volatility The more volatile is the market that you trade, the harder it is to trade it and the bigger stop losses you need to keep your positions safe. Remember, that the volatility is the double-edged sword. It can bring substantial profits, but it can also blow your entire account in a blink of an eye. Following these 5 simple rules, you will make your trading much safer. Study them and add them in your trading plan. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
2
Mastering the "IF-THEN" Mindset: The Key to Stress-Free TradingIn this video, I’ll share how using IF-THEN statements helps me stay balanced in my trading. It’s simple: IF the price does this, THEN I’ll do that. Having a plan like this keeps me from getting caught up in emotions and helps me react to what’s actually happening in the market – not what I wish would happen. This mindset keeps things smooth, makes trade management easier, and keeps me consistent. It’s all about staying ready for whatever the market throws your way. If this vibe clicks with you, drop a comment, like, or follow – I’ve got plenty more insights to share! Mindbloome Trading Trade What You See
Education
by Mindbloome-Trading
This One Emotion Could Be Destroying Your Trading ProfitsIn the world of trading, emotions play a pivotal role in shaping decision-making, and one of the most powerful and potentially dangerous emotions traders face is GREED . Greed, when left unchecked, can lead to impulsive decisions, high-risk behaviors, and significant losses. On the flip side, mastering greed and learning to manage it can make you a more disciplined and successful trader. In this article, we will explore what greed in trading looks like, how it affects performance and practical strategies for managing it. Greed in Trading? Greed in trading is the overwhelming desire for more – more profits, more wins, more success – often without regard to risk, logic, or a well-structured plan. It can manifest in different ways, such as overtrading, chasing unrealistic returns, holding on to winning positions for too long, or abandoning a proven strategy in the hope of making quick gains. How Greed Manifests in Trading: 📈Overtrading: A greedy trader may take on far more trades than necessary, often without proper analysis or risk management, simply to increase exposure to potential profits. Overtrading increases transaction costs, dilutes focus, and leads to emotional burnout. 🏃‍♂️Chasing Profits: Greed can cause traders to chase after price movements, entering trades impulsively based on fear of missing out (FOMO). This often leads to poor entry points, increased risk, and diminished returns. ⚠️Ignoring Risk Management: A greedy trader might ignore risk parameters like stop losses or over-leverage positions, believing they can maximize profits by taking on more risk. This is a dangerous path, as a single market movement in the wrong direction can wipe out large portions of capital. ⏳Failure to Exit: Holding on to winning trades for too long is another sign of greed. Instead of securing profits according to a trading plan, traders might hold positions with the hope that prices will continue to rise indefinitely, only to see their gains evaporate when the market reverses. How Greed Affects Trading Performance Greed can distort your decision-making process. It leads to overconfidence and clouds judgment, causing you to believe that the market will always behave in your favor. This overconfidence pushes traders to abandon their strategies or take unnecessary risks, resulting in: Emotional Trading: The trader begins to react emotionally to every small market movement, making decisions based on feelings rather than rational analysis. Impaired Risk Management: Greed often blinds traders to the importance of managing risk, which is the backbone of long-term trading success. A single high-risk move inspired by greed can erase months or years of gains. Missed Opportunities: By focusing on unrealistic gains or trying to squeeze every bit of profit from a trade, a trader may miss more reliable and smaller, but consistent, opportunities. The Psychology Behind Greed Greed is rooted in our psychology and is amplified by the very nature of the financial markets. Trading offers the possibility of instant gains, which triggers a dopamine response in the brain, making us feel rewarded. The lure of quick profits encourages traders to take greater risks or deviate from their trading plans in pursuit of bigger wins. However, the emotional high from successful trades is often short-lived. Traders can become addicted to this feeling, pushing them to take on more trades or stay in positions for longer than they should. Eventually, this leads to bad habits and unsustainable trading practices How to Manage Greed in Trading While greed is a natural human emotion, it can be controlled with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some practical ways to manage greed in trading: 1. Set Realistic Goals The first step in managing greed is setting clear, realistic trading goals. Rather than aiming for massive, one-time profits, focus on steady, consistent returns. Define what "success" looks like for you on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Having measurable goals helps anchor your trading behavior and keeps you grounded. Example: Instead of aiming for a 100% return in a short period, set a more achievable target like 5%-10% monthly. This may not sound as exciting, but it's more sustainable in the long term. 2. Stick to a Trading Plan A well-defined trading plan is your safeguard against impulsive decisions driven by greed. Your plan should outline entry and exit points, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward ratios. By adhering strictly to your plan, you can resist the temptation to hold on to trades longer than necessary or jump into trades impulsively. Key elements of a good trading plan include: -Entry and exit criteria are based on analysis, not emotion -Risk management rules (like how much to risk per trade, stop-loss settings) -Profit-taking strategy, deciding when to lock in gains 3. Use Risk Management Techniques Effective risk management is the antidote to greed. By setting strict risk parameters, you limit the impact of poor decisions driven by emotions. Always use stop-loss orders to protect yourself from significant losses, and never risk more than a small percentage of your trading capital on any single trade (example 1-2%). Avoid over-leveraging, as leverage amplifies both profits and losses. While it may be tempting to use high leverage to chase bigger gains, it significantly increases the risk of catastrophic losses. 4. Take Profits Regularly One way to counteract greed is to develop a habit of taking profits regularly. When you set profit targets ahead of time, you can ensure that you lock in gains before they evaporate. Don’t wait for an unrealistic price surge. Exit trades once your profit target is reached, or scale out by selling a portion of your position as the trade progresses. 5. Practice Emotional Awareness Being aware of your emotional state is crucial in trading. Take the time to self-reflect and recognize when greed is influencing your decisions. Keep a trading journal to track not just your trades, but also your emotions during the process. This will help you identify patterns and emotional triggers that lead to poor decisions. Example: After a series of winning trades, you may feel overconfident and tempted to take bigger risks. By noting this in your journal, you can remind yourself to remain disciplined and not deviate from your plan. 6. Focus on Long-Term Success Trading is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on the long-term process rather than short-term profits. Greed often leads traders to forget that consistent, small gains compound over time. By shifting your mindset to long-term wealth-building, you’re less likely to take excessive risks or engage in reckless behavior. Greed is a natural emotion in trading, but it can be highly destructive if not managed properly. The key to success lies in discipline, risk management, and a well-structured trading plan that aligns with your goals. By understanding the psychological drivers of greed and taking proactive steps to control it, traders can make more rational decisions, protect their capital, and increase their chances of long-term success.
CRYPTO:BTCUSDEducation
by HexaTrades
Avoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's GuideAvoiding the Pump and Dump: A Beginner's Guide to Protecting Your Investments In the dynamic world of stock trading, new traders are constantly seeking ways to maximize profits and minimize risks. Unfortunately, one of the most deceptive and harmful schemes that can easily trap beginners is the infamous pump and dump scheme. This fraudulent practice has been around for decades, targeting unsuspecting traders by artificially inflating a stock's price and then swiftly cashing out, leaving the victims with significant losses. For traders on platforms like TradingView, especially those just starting, it’s crucial to understand how to spot these schemes and avoid falling prey to them. This guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to recognize pump and dump schemes by analyzing monthly, weekly, and daily charts, identifying repetitive patterns, and understanding market sentiment. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for to safeguard your investments. What is a Pump and Dump? A pump and dump scheme occurs when a group of individuals, often coordinated through social media or private channels, artificially inflates the price of a stock. They "pump" up the stock by spreading misleading information or creating hype around the asset, leading to increased buying interest. Once the stock price has risen significantly, the perpetrators "dump" their shares at the elevated price, leaving uninformed buyers holding a stock that will soon plummet in value. The key elements to watch out for are: Unusual price spikes without any corresponding fundamental news. High trading volume during these spikes, suggesting that a group of individuals is actively manipulating the price. Aggressive promotion through emails, forums, or social media channels, often making exaggerated claims about a stock's potential. Understanding Timeframes: Monthly, Weekly, and Daily Charts One of the most effective ways to spot pump and dump schemes is by analyzing various timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily charts. Each timeframe provides different insights into the stock's behavior, helping you detect irregular patterns and red flags. Monthly Charts: The Big Picture Monthly charts give you a broad overview of a stock's long-term trends. If you notice a stock that has been relatively inactive or stagnant for months, only to suddenly surge without any substantial news or developments, this could be a sign of manipulation . What to look for in monthly charts: Sudden spikes in price after a prolonged period of flat or declining movement. Sharp volume increases during the price rise, especially when the stock has previously shown little to no trading activity. Quick reversals following the price surge, indicating that the pump has occurred, and the dump is on its way. For example, if a stock shows consistent low trading volume and then experiences a sudden burst in both volume and price, this is a classic sign of a pump. Compare these periods with any news releases or market updates. If there’s no justifiable reason for the spike, be cautious . Weekly Charts: Spotting the Mid-Term Trend Weekly charts help you see the mid-term trends and can reveal the progression of a pump and dump scheme. Often, the "pump" phase will be drawn out over several days or weeks as the schemers build momentum and attract more buyers. What to look for in weekly charts: Gradual upward trends followed by a sharp, unsustainable rise in price. Repeated surges in volume that don’t correlate with any fundamental analysis or positive news. Recurrent patterns where a stock has previously been pumped, experienced a sharp decline, and is now showing the same pattern again. Stocks used in pump and dump schemes are often cycled through multiple rounds of pumping, so if you notice that a stock has undergone several similar spikes and drops over the weeks, it’s a strong indicator that the stock is being manipulated. Daily Charts: Catching the Pump Before the Dump Daily charts provide a more granular view of a stock's price movement, and they can help you detect the exact moments when a pump is taking place. Because pump and dump schemes can happen over just a few days, monitoring daily activity is critical. What to look for in daily charts: Intraday price spikes that happen suddenly and without any preceding buildup in momentum. A huge increase in volume followed by rapid price drops within the same or subsequent days. Exaggerated price gaps at market open or close, indicating manipulation during off-hours or lower-volume periods. On a daily chart, if a stock opens significantly higher than the previous day's close without any news or earnings report to back it up, this could be the start of the dump phase. The manipulators are looking to sell their shares to anyone who has bought into the hype, leaving retail traders holding the bag. Repeated Use of the Same Quote: A Telltale Sign of a Pump and Dump Scheme Another red flag is when the same stock or "hot tip" keeps resurfacing in social media, forums, or emails. If you notice that the same quote or recommendation is being promoted repeatedly over time, often using the same language, this is a strong sign of manipulation. The scammers are likely trying to pump the stock multiple times by reusing the same tactics on new, unsuspecting traders. Be cautious of stocks that: Have been heavily promoted in the past. Show a history of sudden spikes followed by rapid declines. Are promoted with vague, overhyped language like "the next big thing" or "guaranteed gains." If the same stock is mentioned multiple times in trading communities, check its historical chart. If the stock has undergone previous pumps, you will likely see sharp rises and falls that align with the promotional periods. How to Avoid Pump and Dump Schemes Now that you know how to spot the signs, here are actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a pump and dump scheme: Do Your Research: Always verify the information you receive about a stock. Check if there’s legitimate news, earnings reports, or significant company developments that justify the price movement. Avoid relying solely on social media or forums for your stock tips. Look at Fundamentals: Focus on stocks with solid fundamentals, such as earnings growth, revenue increases, and strong management. Stocks targeted for pump and dump schemes often have weak or non-existent fundamentals. Use Multiple Timeframes: As we've discussed, examining stocks across different timeframes—monthly, weekly, and daily—can help you spot abnormal price behavior early on. Monitor Volume and Price Movements: If you see large, unexplained surges in volume and price, be skeptical. Legitimate price increases are usually accompanied by news or fundamental changes in the company. Avoid Low-Volume Stocks: Pump and dump schemes often target low-volume, illiquid stocks that are easier to manipulate. Stick to stocks with healthy trading volumes and liquidity. Set Stop Losses: Always use stop losses to protect yourself from sudden price drops. Setting a stop loss at a reasonable level can help limit your losses if you accidentally invest in a stock being manipulated. Be Wary of Promotions: If a stock is being aggressively promoted, ask yourself why. More often than not, aggressive promotions are a sign that the stock is part of a pump and dump scheme. Conclusion Pump and dump schemes prey on traders’ fear of missing out ( FOMO ) and the allure of quick profits . However, by using a disciplined approach to trading, analyzing charts across multiple timeframes, and paying close attention to volume and price movements, you can avoid falling victim to these schemes. Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your investments by staying informed, doing thorough research, and trusting your analysis. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the markets with confidence and avoid the pitfalls of pump and dump schemes. Happy trading, and stay safe!
NASDAQ:EJHEducation
by TradeVizion
6
AlgoTrading Basics for Beginners and Advanced StrategiesHello, 1 Introduction Algotrading or Algorithmic trading has brought about a revolution in the financial markets: automation of trades with the help of complex algorithms. These algorithms execute trades according to predefined rules and are quicker in capturing market opportunities compared to manual trading. HFT in gold HFT-based algotrading has also greatly skewed the transaction volumes in recent years, but even though these trades are very short-term, they can tell us something about longer-term trading strategies. --- 2 What is Algorithmic Trading? Algorithmic trading is a method of executing orders using automated, pre-designed trading instructions that account for variables such as trade timing, price, and volume. The platform has found application in the work of large financial institutions, hedge funds, and individual traders to facilitate the ease of trading strategy selection and optimization. One might be, a set of rules that tells it to buy the gold if it falls below a certain level and sells as soon as the price of that gold hits a specified level. Traders can take advantage of small price movements without sitting in front of their screens all day. --- 3 Why use Algorithmic Trading? There are various reasons as to why one would engage in Algotrading: Speed: It is obvious that technology is used to carry out trades and computers do this faster than people. This proves extremely useful in fast markets like gold trading where prices may change in milliseconds. Emotionless Trading: An individual does not deviate from the proposal; emotional elements like fear and greed that affect traders do not affect its operation. Backtesting: Trading systems risk analyses can be done using test histories which access the performance of trading systems on historical figures, thus preventing any risk when trading. Precision and Consistency: Algorithms maintain accuracy levels in trade initiation with almost never deteriorating without human intervention as only information is required regarding trading and no emotions. --- 4 Core Principles of Algorithmic Trading Apart from trading in shares, forex or even taking a position in gold (XAUUSD) there are a few primary principles common to all algorithmic trading: a Data Mining And Data Management Technical Indicators – Besides backtesting and strategy optimization, algorithms employ very prominent technical indicators such as Moving Averages (MA), Relative Strength Index (RSI), Bollinger Bands, or other indicators associated with detecting trends or momentum. Price Patterns – Other factors that might be of influence include pattern recognition algorithms which can be trained to identify specific shapes such as heads and shoulders, flags, or triangles, and thereby predicting price movements. Volume Analysis – Volume analysis can be instrumental in price movement validation. Volumes increase during up-trend or down-trend and their analysis is essential when confirming trends or reversals. b Machine Learning Models Machine learning models aim to work in this way in modern algorithms with a view to predicting price changes in the near future. Algorithms that one develops or wires are fed with data sets and they learn patterns and devise methods of trading faster or more efficiently anyway as the case might be. There are other strategies like SVM, Random Forests, and Neural Networks that one can use to enhance predictive power. c High-Frequency Trading HFT involves placing numerous orders and getting them executed in split seconds and on some occasions microseconds. That is particularly attractive in cash markets like a gold market where there are narrow price bands in which one can place determinants and capitalize on the fluctuations. --- 5 Advanced Techniques in Gold (XAUUSD) Algorithmic Trading Trading gold presents unique challenges and opportunities in the algorithmic trading world. Here are some advanced techniques tailored to the XAUUSD market: Reinforcement learning has emerged as a powerful technique in gold trading. RL works as the trading systems interact with the market and improvise over the strategy by solving the problem by trying it in the market. This is useful for gold trading, as RL strategies are adaptable to external shocks such as economic news or investor sentiment changes. They include sentiment predictions around precious metals. Gold as an asset class has a unique character because it is a ‘safe-hoard’ asset and hence its price is subject to global and domestic conditions, military conflicts and general investor feel. Sentiment algorithms incorporate news, social networks, and reports on economics and stock markets to identify the mood of the investor's community. If there is a piece of news pointing to some uncertain or negative times ahead, then the algorithm predominantly directed by the sentiment may initiate purchases of gold. --- 6 The Future of Algorithmic Trading Although this form of trading has not yet reached widespread use, the potential of quantum computing in investment strategies including gold markets is promising. Quantum calculations have been demonstrated to outperform classical computation in solving combinatorial optimization problems and processing big data. This can allow the development of new and better trading strategies and more effective utilization of unnecessary. --- 7 Practical Use of the Traders on Platforms like TradingView With the inception of platforms like TradingView, algorithmic traders have been aided with a design, a test, and an automated strategy submission in the most reliant fashion. a Algorithmic Strategies Implemented Using Pine Script On its part, TradingView accepts user-written trading algorithms. Pine Script programming language is based on TradingView. These traders favor strategies resting on either technical indicators, patterns, or custom conditions. For instance, one can formulate a strategy to place a gold (XAUUSD) order whenever the price rises above its 50-day moving average and a closing order whenever the price goes down. b Strategic Testing Strategies (algorithms) are tested using back-testing methods incorporated in the trading software, this process is known as back-testing. A feature of the TradingView platform is that a trader can run their algorithms on record and see how those algorithms would have played out on historical data. This is important for adjusting the entry and exit plus the risk control parameters and further the performance of a strategy. c Community Insights Another benefit of using the TradingView platform is the community of traders around it who can post their strategies, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. You will be able to learn how other traders have taken to algorithmic trading with gold and other assets and be able to develop better strategies. --- 8 Tactics to Consider for New and Intermediate Trading Positions The strategies provided for algorithmic trading may vary from simple to complex in levels. Below are some typical strategies that every trader should consider implementing in their trading practice: a Trend Following This is perhaps the most basic type of algorithmic trading. The idea is very simple; one buys those assets that are on the uptrend (bullish) and sells those that are on the downtrend (bearish). For example, in gold trades, a strategy for a trader may be quite simple: moving averages. For instance, an algorithm could be designed in such a way that it buys gold whenever the 20-day moving average of gold crosses the 50-day moving average upwards and sells when this situation is reversed. b Arbitrage Arbitrage strategies, as the very definition suggests, enable traders to exploit all such situations which emerge, due to the mispricing corrects routinely. In gold trading, for instance, this would refer to the action of selling short shares in an exchange retrieved in one exchange, where that price, would include a premium orchestrated by other markets. c Mean Reversion Mean reversion strategies originate from the classic concept that there is a high likelihood of prices returning to their average or mean. For instance, an algorithm buys an asset such as gold if its average is lower than the over its certain period moving average and sells whenever it is above that average. d High-Frequency Trading (HFT) HFT although it calls for many resources, there are traders who have this kind of approach to gold markets in that they seek to benefit from price changes within seconds or rather milliseconds HFT. This strategy also calls for other aspects such as having very good network connectivity to enable very fast execution of trades as well as high volume trades. --- 9 Conclusion Algorithmic trading opens a world of opportunities for all kinds of traders. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner looking into simple tactics such as trend-following or a seasoned trader putting more sophisticated approaches to work with gold (XAUUSD), there has never been a time that the tools and methods are more readily available to you for successful algotrading. Traders can use existing platforms such as our TradingView to develop, back & optimize their strategies to keep up with today’s fast-moving financial markets. The financial world is evolving and staying up to date with these new breakthroughs in technology, including machine learning, sentiment analysis, and quantum computing will help give the traders the edge. Algorithmic trading can become everyone’s thing if one is patient, disciplined, and keeps learning. Regards, Ely
CAPITALCOM:GOLDEducation
by Elysian_Mind
1
Entry Types Simplified: The Essential Guide for New Traders!Key Structures and Formations: Ascending Channel: The price has been moving within this channel for a while. An ascending channel indicates an uptrend but also signals that the price is forming higher highs and higher lows, which can later break either direction. Bull Flag: A classic continuation pattern where after a strong bullish move (flagpole), the price consolidated before continuing upwards. This was a great entry point for traders watching for bullish momentum. Failed Flag: It appears there was a bull flag that failed to continue upwards and instead reversed direction. This type of failure is a strong indication for traders to reconsider their long positions or take partial profits. Often when a flag fails, it can lead to an aggressive move in the opposite direction. Zones: 4HR, 1HR, 15M LQZ (Liquidity Zones): These zones mark areas where liquidity is expected to be high, which means these are key levels to watch for price reactions. The 4HR LQZ around 2,622 and the 1HR LQZ around 2,639 are critical areas for price retracement or reversals, particularly in a trending market. Current Price Action: The price is currently hovering near the 15M LQZ (2,655.443), which could act as a short-term support/resistance level. Watching how the price reacts to this zone will provide insight into the next move. If the price continues to drop, the 1HR LQZ around 2,639 may provide support. If that fails, the next likely target is the 4HR LQZ near 2,622. Recommendations Based on Confluence: Check for Multi-Touch Confirmation: If the price interacts with the 4HR or 1HR LQZ zones multiple times and forms a base, this could serve as strong confirmation of a potential reversal or continuation​. Comprehensive Patterns: The failed flag within the larger ascending channel provides a great example of how smaller patterns (failed flag) can give clues about larger moves (channel break)​. Follow the Trinity Rule: As per the Trinity Rule, wait for multiple confirmations across different structures before entering a trade. The liquidity zones and patterns within patterns provide a good basis for this​.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by Adlercon333
TOP 20 TRADING PATTERNS [cheat sheet]Hey here is Technical Patterns cheat sheet for traders. 🖨 Every trader must print this cheatsheet and keep it on the desk 👍 🖼 Printable picture below (Right click > Save Image As…) In finance, technical analysis is an analysis methodology for forecasting the direction of prices through the study of past market data, primarily price and volume. Behavioral economics and quantitative analysis use many of the same tools of technical analysis, which, being an aspect of active management, stands in contradiction to much of modern portfolio theory. The efficacy of both technical and fundamental analysis is disputed by the efficient-market hypothesis, which states that stock market prices are essentially unpredictable, and research on whether technical analysis offers any benefit has produced mixed results. As such it has been described by many academics as pseudoscience. Fundamental analysts examine earnings, dividends, assets, quality, ratio, new products, research and the like. Technicians employ many methods, tools and techniques as well, one of which is the use of charts. Using charts, technical analysts seek to identify price patterns and market trends in financial markets and attempt to exploit those patterns. Technicians using charts search for archetypal price chart patterns, such as the well-known head and shoulders or double top/bottom reversal patterns, study technical indicators, moving averages and look for forms such as lines of support, resistance, channels and more obscure formations such as flags, pennants, balance days and cup and handle patterns. Technical analysts also widely use market indicators of many sorts, some of which are mathematical transformations of price, often including up and down volume, advance/decline data and other inputs. These indicators are used to help assess whether an asset is trending, and if it is, the probability of its direction and of continuation. Technicians also look for relationships between price/volume indices and market indicators. Examples include the moving average, relative strength index and MACD. Other avenues of study include correlations between changes in Options (implied volatility) and put/call ratios with price. Also important are sentiment indicators such as Put/Call ratios, bull/bear ratios, short interest, Implied Volatility, etc. There are many techniques in technical analysis. Adherents of different techniques (for example: Candlestick analysis, the oldest form of technical analysis developed by a Japanese grain trader; Harmonics; Dow theory; and Elliott wave theory) may ignore the other approaches, yet many traders combine elements from more than one technique. Some technical analysts use subjective judgment to decide which pattern(s) a particular instrument reflects at a given time and what the interpretation of that pattern should be. Others employ a strictly mechanical or systematic approach to pattern identification and interpretation. Contrasting with technical analysis is fundamental analysis, the study of economic factors that influence the way investors price financial markets. Technical analysis holds that prices already reflect all the underlying fundamental factors. Uncovering the trends is what technical indicators are designed to do, although neither technical nor fundamental indicators are perfect. Some traders use technical or fundamental analysis exclusively, while others use both types to make trading decisions. Best regards Artem Shevelev
BITFINEX:BTCUSDEducation
by ArtemFuturesTrading
239
These Market Structures Are Crucial for EveryoneIn this article, we will simplify complex market structures by breaking them down into easy-to-understand patterns. Recognizing market structure can enhance your trading strategy, increase your pattern recognition skills in various market conditions. Let’s dive into some essential chart patterns that every trader should know. Double Bottom / Double Top A double bottom is a bullish reversal pattern that occurs when the price tests a support level twice without breaking lower, indicating strong buying interest. This pattern often suggests that the downtrend is losing momentum and a potential uptrend may follow. Conversely, a double top signals a bearish reversal, formed when the price tests a resistance level twice without breaking through. This pattern indicates selling pressure and suggests that the uptrend may be coming to an end. Bull Flag / Bear Flag A bull flag is a continuation pattern that appears after a strong upward movement. It typically involves a slight consolidation period before the trend resumes, providing a potential entry point for traders looking to capitalize on the ongoing bullish momentum. On the other hand, a bear flag forms during a downtrend, signaling a brief consolidation before the price continues its downward movement. Recognizing these flags can help traders identify potential breakout opportunities. Bull Pennant / Bear Pennant A bull pennant is a continuation pattern that forms after a sharp price increase, followed by a period of consolidation where the price moves within converging trendlines. This pattern often indicates that the upward trend is likely to continue after the breakout. Conversely, a bear pennant forms after a sharp decline, with the price consolidating within converging lines. This pattern suggests that the downtrend may resume after the breakout. Ascending Wedge / Descending Wedge An ascending wedge is a bearish reversal pattern that often forms during a weakening uptrend. It indicates that buying pressure is slowing down, and a reversal may be imminent. Traders should be cautious as this pattern suggests a potential downtrend ahead. In contrast, a descending wedge appears during a downtrend and indicates that selling pressure is weakening. This pattern may signal a bullish reversal, suggesting a possible upward breakout in the near future. Triple Top / Triple Bottom A triple top is a bearish reversal pattern that forms after the price tests a resistance level three times without breaking through, indicating strong selling pressure. This pattern can help traders anticipate a potential downtrend. Conversely, a triple bottom is a bullish reversal pattern where the price tests support three times before breaking higher. This pattern highlights strong buying interest and can signal a significant upward move. Cup and Handle / Inverted Cup and Handle The cup and handle pattern is a bullish continuation pattern resembling a rounded bottom, followed by a small consolidation phase (the handle) before a breakout. This pattern often indicates strong bullish sentiment and can provide a solid entry point. The inverted cup and handle is the bearish counterpart, signaling potential downward movement after a rounded top formation, suggesting that a reversal may occur. Head and Shoulders / Inverted Head and Shoulders The head and shoulders pattern is a classic bearish reversal signal characterized by a peak (head) flanked by two smaller peaks (shoulders). This formation indicates a potential downtrend ahead, helping traders to identify possible selling opportunities. The inverted head and shoulders pattern serves as a bullish reversal indicator, suggesting that an uptrend may follow after the price forms a trough (head) between two smaller troughs (shoulders). Expanding Wedge An expanding wedge is formed when price volatility increases, characterized by higher highs and lower lows. This pattern often indicates market uncertainty and can precede a breakout in either direction . Traders should monitor this pattern closely, as it can signal potential trading opportunities once a breakout occurs. Falling Channel / Rising Channel / Flat Channel A falling channel is defined by a consistent downtrend, with price movement contained within two parallel lines. This pattern often suggests continued bearish sentiment. Conversely, a rising channel indicates an uptrend, with price moving between two upward-sloping parallel lines, signaling bullish momentum. A flat channel represents sideways movement, indicating consolidation with no clear trend direction, often leading to a breakout once the price escapes the channel. P.S. It's essential to remember that market makers, whales, smart investors, and Wall Street are well aware of these structures. Sometimes, these patterns may not work as expected because these entities can manipulate the market to pull money from unsuspecting traders. Therefore, always exercise caution, and continuously practice and hone your trading skills. What are your thoughts on these patterns? Have you encountered any of them in your trading? I’d love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below! If you found this breakdown helpful, please give it a like and follow for more technical insights. Stay tuned for more content, and feel free to suggest any specific patterns you’d like me to analyze next!
Education
by ArtemFuturesTrading
5
Quarter Theory: Intraday Trading Mastery - Part 2 ExamplesGreetings Traders! In today's video, we'll continue our deep dive into Quarter Theory Intraday Trading Mastery—a model rooted in the algorithmic nature of price delivery within the markets. We’ll explore the concept of draw on liquidity through premium and discount price delivery, equipping you to identify optimal trading sessions and execute high-probability trades, all while aligning with market bias. This video is part of our ongoing High Probability Trading Zones playlist on YouTube. If you haven't watched the previous videos, I highly recommend doing so. They provide essential insights into identifying and acting on market bias, which Quarter Theory enhances further. I highly recommend you watch ICT2022 Mentorship model on YouTube, it will really help you in your trading journey, the link to the mentorship is provided below. I’ll attach the links to those videos in the description below. Quarter Theory: Intraday Trading Mastery - Part 1 Intro: Premium Discount Price Delivery in Institutional Trading: ICT 2022 Mentorship: www.youtube.com High Probability Trading Zones: www.youtube.com Best Regards, The_Architect
OANDA:NAS100USDEducation
by The_Archi-tect
Quarter Theory: Intraday Trading Mastery - Part 1 IntroGreetings Traders! In today’s video, we’ll be introducing Quarter Theory Intraday Trading Mastery, a model grounded in the algorithmic nature of price delivery within the markets. We’ll explore candle anatomy and learn how to predict candle behavior on lower timeframes to capitalize on intraday trading opportunities. This model will also help us identify the optimal trading sessions and execute trades with high probability, all while effectively acting on market bias. This video will focus primarily on the foundational content, with practical examples to follow in the next video. In the meantime, I encourage you to practice these concepts on your own to deepen your understanding. This video is part of our ongoing High Probability Trading Zones playlist on YouTube. If you haven’t watched the previous videos in the series, I highly recommend checking them out. They provide crucial insights into identifying market bias, which Quarter Theory will help you act on effectively. I’ll attach the links to those videos in the description below. Premium Discount Price Delivery in Institutional Trading: Mastering Institutional Order-Flow Price Delivery: Quarter Theory Mastering Algorithmic Price Movements: Mastering High Probability Trading Across All Assets: Best Regards, The_Architect
OANDA:NAS100USDEducation
by The_Archi-tect
Never Trade Without Stop Loss! Hey traders, Talking to many struggling traders from different parts of the world, I realized that the majority constantly makes the same mistake : they do not set a stop loss . Asking for the reason why they do that, the common answer is that these traders consider the manual position closing to be safer, implying that if the market goes in the opposite direction, they will be able to much better track the exact moment to cut loss. In this article, we will discuss why it is crucially important to set a stop loss and why it is the number one element of your trading position. What is Stop Loss? Let's discuss what is a stop loss . By a stop loss , we mean a certain price level where we close our trading position in loss. In comparison to a manual closing, the stop loss (preferably) should be set at the exact moment when the order is executed. On the chart above, I have an active selling position on Gold. My entry level is 2372, my stop loss is 2381. It means that if the price goes up and reaches 2381 level, the position will automatically close in a loss. Why Do You Need a Stop Loss? Stop loss allows us limiting the risks in case of unfavorable movements . On the chart above, I have illustrated 2 similar negative scenarios : 1 with a stop loss being placed and one without on USDJPY. In the example on the left, stop loss helped to prevent the excessive risk , cutting the loss at the beginning of a bearish wave. With the manual closing, however, traders usually hold the negative positions much longer , praying for a reversal. Holding a losing trade, emotions intervene. Greed and fear usually spoil the reasoning, causing irrational decisions . Following such a strategy, the total loss of the second scenario is 6 times bigger than the total loss with a placed stop loss order. Always Set Stop Loss! Stop loss defines the point where you become wrong in your predictions. Planning your trade, you should know in advance such a point and cut your loss once it is reached. Never trade without a stop loss.
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
16
Beware of Trading on Public Holidays! In this educational article, we will discuss why is it recommendable not to trade during the public holidays. I will explain to you how banking holidays affect the financial markets and how it may impact your trading. WHY??? 🏦 The main source of problems comes from the fact that the big market players like: banks, hedge funds investing firms are absent. Similarly to ordinary people, bankers and investors prefer to spend the holidays with their relatives and friends instead of staring at charts on Holidays. HOW??? But how does it affect the market? Big players are the main source of the market liquidity. The liquidity itself is the measure to which an asset can be quickly bought or sold in the market at a price of its quotes. Therefore, when the big players are missing, the market liquidity drops. WHAT??? 1️⃣ That fact instantly reflects in the market spreads. They become substantially bigger, directly increasing the costs of each trade and making it problematic to open a position at a desired price. 2️⃣ Secondly, low liquidity leads to a decrease in volatility. The market becomes weak and indecisive. As traders, we make the money on market moves. Our goal is to catch a bullish or a bearish wave. Their absence deprives us of profits or, at least, dramatically decreases them. Look at a chart above, it is EURJPY on a 4H time frame. Look how weak and boring the pair was in US Independence Day - official US banking holiday. And here is how weak and slow was Gold during US Independence Day on an hourly time frame . 3️⃣ Thirdly, when the liquidity is low, even small market participants can move the market. It dramatically increases the probabilities of false signals. Relatively low trading volumes may manipulate the market, substantially decreasing the efficiency of technical and fundamental analysis. Look at a density of false breakout on Dollar Index DXY on 15 minutes time frame the 19th of June - Juneteenth National Independence Day in US. All these breakouts were the manipulations and false signals. The increased costs of trading, low volatility and manipulations should have convinced you to stay from charts during the holidays season. However, the main reason to not trade on holidays is much simpler. Holidays give you an opportunity to stay with your family, to take a break, to recharge and relax. Even a part-time trading is very exhausting and requires a constant attention. Let yourself be distracted and return after holidays. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️
OANDA:XAUUSDEducation
by VasilyTrader
1
It's OK to change your mind- it even makes you a better traderIn the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of trading, the pressure to make quick decisions and stick to them can be intense. There's a pervasive belief that once a decision is made, a good trader should stand by it, no matter what. However, this mindset can be misleading and, in some cases, even harmful. In truth, the ability to change your mind in trading is not a sign of weakness or inconsistency. On the contrary, it’s a hallmark of a skilled and adaptable trader who understands the complexities of the market. The Nature of the Market: Constant Change The financial markets are anything but static. They are influenced by an array of factors that can change within moments—economic indicators, global political events, shifts in market sentiment, and even unexpected news releases. These variables make the market highly unpredictable. A trading decision that was well-founded one moment can become obsolete the next due to new developments. Successful traders recognize this inherent uncertainty and embrace the need to adapt. Being rigid in your approach can lead to unnecessary risks and missed opportunities. Flexibility allows you to respond to the market’s constant fluctuations, ensuring that your trading strategy remains relevant and effective. Embracing Flexibility: The Power of Adaptation Flexibility in trading is not just about changing your mind when things go wrong; it’s about continuously assessing your position in light of new information. This doesn’t mean constantly second-guessing yourself but rather being open to the possibility that your initial analysis may need adjustment as new data becomes available. For instance, you might enter a trade based on a specific market pattern or trend. However, as the trade progresses, you might notice signs that the market is shifting in an unexpected direction. At this point, the ability to re-evaluate your position and, if necessary, change your strategy can mean the difference between a small loss and a significant one—or even turning a potential loss into a profitable trade. This willingness to adapt shows not indecision but a deep understanding of the market’s unpredictable nature. Ego vs. Objectivity: Trading Without Emotional Attachment One of the biggest hurdles traders face is overcoming their own ego. Ego can cloud judgment, pushing you to stick with a decision out of pride rather than sound reasoning. This is particularly dangerous in trading, where the market has no regard for your personal biases or feelings. Ego-driven decisions can lead to stubbornness, causing you to hold onto losing trades far longer than you should. Objectivity, on the other hand, is the foundation of successful trading. It requires detaching your emotions from your trades and focusing solely on the data and what the market is telling you. Changing your mind in response to new market information is not a sign of weakness; it’s a demonstration of objectivity. By prioritizing market signals over personal pride, you’re aligning yourself with the realities of the market rather than a fixed idea of what should happen. The Importance of Capital Preservation In trading, your capital is your most valuable asset. Preserving it is crucial for long-term success. The notion that "it’s better to be right than to be profitable" can be a dangerous trap. Sticking to a losing trade out of stubbornness can lead to significant losses, quickly eroding your trading account and undermining your ability to recover. When you change your mind in response to market conditions, you are, in effect, practicing good risk management. Recognizing when a trade isn’t going as planned and adjusting your strategy accordingly helps you limit losses and protect your capital. This approach not only safeguards your resources but also keeps you in the game, allowing you to capitalize on future opportunities. Continuous Learning: Evolving as a Trader Trading is not a static skill—it’s a dynamic process that involves continuous learning and adaptation. Every trade, whether successful or not, provides valuable insights. When you allow yourself to change your mind, you’re acknowledging that there is always something new to learn. This openness to learning and evolving is essential for long-term success in trading. The market itself is a constantly evolving entity, influenced by countless factors that change over time. Traders who are rigid in their thinking are often left behind, while those who embrace change and are willing to learn from their experiences continue to grow and succeed. Changing your mind in trading isn’t about flip-flopping or being indecisive; it’s about recognizing that the market is bigger than any one individual and that adaptability is key to thriving in this environment. Navigating the Fine Line: Reason vs. Reaction (AND THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) While the ability to change your mind is crucial, it’s important to recognize that there’s a fine line between making well-reasoned decisions and reacting impulsively to every market fluctuation. The market is filled with noise—short-term movements that can be misleading if taken out of context. Constantly changing your mind in response to every minor shift can lead to overtrading, unnecessary stress, and ultimately, poor performance. The key is to differentiate between significant market changes that warrant a reassessment of your strategy and normal market noise that should be ignored. Strong, data-driven reasons should guide your decision to change course, not fleeting emotions or fear of missing out. Successful traders strike a balance—they remain flexible and open to change, but they do so based on sound analysis, not on every whim of the market. Building Confidence Through Adaptability Another critical aspect of changing your mind in trading is that it can actually build your confidence rather than diminish it. Confidence in trading doesn’t come from being right all the time; it comes from knowing that you can navigate the market effectively, even when things don’t go as planned. By being flexible and willing to change your mind, you develop a stronger sense of control over your trading strategy. This adaptability also helps you develop resilience. In trading, losses are inevitable. What separates successful traders from the rest is their ability to recover from those losses and learn from them. When you change your mind in response to the market, you’re not just minimizing losses—you’re also building the mental toughness needed to succeed in the long term. Conclusion: The Strength in Changing Your Mind In the world of trading, changing your mind doesn’t make you a bad trader—it makes you a better one. It demonstrates that you are flexible, objective, and committed to continuous learning—qualities that are essential for long-term success in the markets. The ability to adapt to new information and evolving market conditions is not just a good practice; it’s a necessary one. So the next time you find yourself reconsidering a trade, remember: it’s not about being right all the time. It’s about making the best possible decision with the information at hand. In the ever-changing landscape of trading, those who can adapt and change their minds when necessary are the ones who ultimately thrive.
BITSTAMP:BTCUSDEducation
by Mihai_Iacob
4