Downloading...

Products
Community
Markets
Brokers
More

Community
Ideas
Beyond Technical Analysis
Trading Tools

Trading Tools

You want to be a trader but you have a 9-5 Educational purpose only. You want to be a day trader but can't trade market open because you have a job or you are too busy. The daily bar can give you just as much profits as the 5 min charts. In this video ill teach you how to find support and resistance zone on any market. Opening a line chart starting from the weekly and then looking for areas where price has repeatedly reverse gives you a clue of where price may go in the future on a daily chart. Watch till the end to see how this strategy is applied to all markets.

Education

07:59

How to Set Up and Use OCO Orders on TradingView This tutorial video explains what OCO (Order cancels orders) are, how they work, how to place them in Tradingview, and how they relate to bracket orders. You'll learn how to add them to new entry orders as well as existing positions. There is a substantial risk of loss in futures trading. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please trade only with risk capital. We are not responsible for any third-party links, comments, or content shared on TradingView. Any opinions, links, or messages posted by users on TradingView do not represent our views or recommendations. Please exercise your own judgment and due diligence when engaging with any external content or user commentary.

Education

03:34

by OptimusFutures

Your ULTIMATE Guide For Time Frames in Gold, Forex Trading If you just started trading, you are probably wondering what time frames to trade. In the today's post, I will reveal the difference between mainstream time frames like daily, 4h, 1h, 15m. Firstly, you should know that the selection of a time frame primarily depends on your goals in trading. If you are interested in swing trading strategies, of course, you should concentrate on higher time frames analysis while for scalping the main focus should be on lower time frames. Daily time frame shows a bigger picture. It can be applied for the analysis of a price action for the last weeks, months, and even years. It reveals the historical key levels that can be relevant for swing traders, day traders and scalpers. The patterns that are formed on a daily time frame may predict long-term movements. In the picture above, you can see how the daily time frame can show the price action for the last years, months and weeks. In contrast, hourly time frame reflects intra week & intraday perspectives. The patterns and key levels that are spotted there, will be important for day traders and scalpers. The setups that are spotted on an hourly time frame, will be useful for predicting the intraday moves and occasionally the moves within a trading week. Take a look at the 2 charts above, the hourly time frame perfectly shows the market moves within a week and within a single day. 4H time frame is somewhere in between. For both swing trader and day trader, it may provide some useful confirmations. 4H t.f shows intra week and week to week perspectives. Above, you can see how nicely 4H time frame shows the price action on EURUSD within a week and for the last several weeks. 15 minutes time frame is a scalping time frame. The setups and levels that are spotted there can be used to predict the market moves within hours or within a trading session. Check the charts above: 15 minutes time frame shows both the price action within a London session and the price action for the last couple of hours. It is also critical to mention, that lower is the time frame, lower is the accuracy of the patterns and lower is the strength of key levels that are identified there. It makes higher time frame analysis more simple and reliable. The thing is that higher is the time frame, more important it is for the market participants. While lower time frames can help to predict short term moves, higher time frames are aimed for predicting long-term trends. ❤️Please, support my work with like, thank you!❤️ I am part of Trade Nation's Influencer program and receive a monthly fee for using their TradingView charts in my analysis.

Education

by VasilyTrader

Trading Psychology Trap: The Dark Side of Hedging a Bad Trade ⚡ Important Clarification Before We Begin In professional trading, real hedging involves sophisticated strategies using derivatives like options, futures, or other financial instruments. Banks, funds, and major institutions hedge to manage portfolio risk, based on calculated models and complex scenarios. This article is not about that. We are talking about the kind of "hedging" retail traders do — opening an opposite position at the broker to "protect" a losing trade. It may feel smart in the moment, but psychologically, it can be a hidden trap that damages your trading discipline. Let’s dive into why emotional hedging rarely works for independent traders. ________________________________________ In trading, there’s a moment of panic that every trader has faced: "My short position is in the red… maybe I’ll just open a long to balance it out." It feels logical. You’re hedging. Protecting yourself. But in reality, you might be stepping into one of the most deceptive psychological traps in trading. Let’s unpack why emotional hedging is rarely a good idea—and how it quietly sabotages your progress. ________________________________________ 🧠 1. Emotional Relief ≠ Strategic Thinking Hedging often arises not from a solid strategy, but from emotional discomfort. You don’t hedge because you’ve analyzed the market. You hedge because you can’t stand the pain of a losing position. This is not trading. This is emotional anesthesia. You’re trying to feel better—not trade better. ________________________________________ 🎭 2. The Illusion of Control Opening a hedge feels like taking back control. In reality, you’re multiplying complexity without clarity. You now have: • Two opposing positions • No clear directional bias • An unclear exit strategy You’ve replaced one problem (a loss) with two: mental conflict and strategic confusion. ________________________________________ 🎢 3. Emotional Volatility Rises Sharply With two positions open in opposite directions: • You root for both sides at once. • You feel relief when one wins, and stress when the other loses. • Your mind becomes a battleground, not a trading desk. This emotional volatility leads to irrational decisions, fatigue, and trading paralysis. ________________________________________ 🔄 4. You Delay the Inevitable When you hedge a losing position, you don’t fix the mistake. You prolong it. Eventually, you’ll have to: • Close one side • Add to one side • Or exit both at the wrong moment Hedging here is just postponed decision-making—and it gets harder the longer you wait. ________________________________________ 🧪 5. You Build a Dangerous Habit Hedging out of fear creates a reflex: "Every time I’m losing, I’ll hedge." You’re not learning to cut losses or reassess your strategy. You’re learning to panic-protect. And over time, you start to rely on hedging as a crutch—rather than developing real confidence and discipline. ________________________________________ ✅ The Healthier Alternative What should you do instead? • Cut the loss. • Review the trade. • Wait for a fresh setup that aligns with your plan. Accepting a losing trade is hard. But it’s a sign of maturity, not weakness. Hedging may feel clever in the moment, but long-term consistency comes from clarity, not complication. ________________________________________ 🎯 Final Thought Emotional hedging isn’t about strategy. It’s about fear. The best traders don’t hedge to escape a loss. They manage risk before the trade starts —and have the courage to close what’s not working. Don’t fall into the illusion of safety. Master the art of decisive action. That’s where real edge lives. 🚀

Education

How To Customize The 1 Minute Scalping Indicator This tutorial explains each setting of the 1 Minute Scalping Indicator in detail so you understand exactly how to adjust your settings to get the results you would like from the indicator. Here is a list of the details we discuss: How to fix loading errors Tooltips that explain each setting for your reference Trade modes and how they are affected by other settings Average candle size rejection parameters Higher timeframe candle filters, settings and levels External indicator trend filtering capabilities and how to set them up correctly Stoploss and take profit calculations and settings you can adjust Signal arrow customization options Candle coloring adjustments Visual/styling options Make sure to watch the whole video so you fully understand how each setting affects the indicator for best results.

Education

19:56

by FriendOfTheTrend

Why Should You Care About ER?🚀 Hey Traders! Have You Ever Felt Lost in the Chaos of Market Fluctuations? What if I told you there’s a powerful tool that can help you cut through the noise and give you a statistical edge to predict SUPPORT and RESISTANCE movements with confidence? Let me take 5 minutes of your time to introduce you to something that could transform your trading game: Expected Range Volatility (ER) . What is Expected Range Volatility (ER)? The Expected Range (ER) is a framework that helps traders understand how much an asset is likely to move within a specific timeframe. Based on CME market data and Nobel Prize-winning calculations, price movements within the expected volatility corridor have a 68% probability of staying within those boundaries. 💡 Key Insight: When the price approaching certain levels, there’s a 68% chance the price won’t break through those boundaries. This means you can use ER as a powerful filter to identify more precise entry and exit points for your trades. Why Should You Care About ER? When I first discovered the ER tool, it felt like stumbling upon a gold mine in the trading world. Here’s why: It’s free and available on the CME exchange’s website. It’s underutilized —95% of traders don’t even know it exists. It provides statistical clarity in a world full of uncertainty. I remember the first time I used ER in my analysis—it completely changed the way I approached intraday trading. Now, I never make a trade without checking the ER data. It’s become an essential part of my strategy. How to Use ER in Your Trading 1️⃣ Input the Data: Head over to the CME website, plug in the necessary parameters, and get your ER values. 2️⃣ Set Boundaries: Use the ER range as a guide to set potential support and resistance levels. 3️⃣ Filter Trades: Only take trades that align with the ER framework to improve your precision. A recent example is the Japanese yen futures market. Don't be confused by the fact that we take futures levels, it can easily be plotted on a spot chart for forex market (the dollar/yen). Limitations to Keep in Mind While ER is a powerful tool, it’s not a crystal ball. Here are some limitations: Market Dynamics: Short-term price movements can be unpredictable due to sentiment, news, or economic events. ER provides a statistical estimate, but it doesn’t guarantee outcomes. Assumptions: The formula assumes price movements follow a log-normal distribution , which may not hold true in all market conditions. Your Turn: Are You Using ER in Your Strategy? 💭 Here’s the million-dollar question: Are you leveraging the power of Expected Range Volatility in your trading? If not, why not start today? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below: Do you currently use ER or similar statistical tools? Want to Dive Deeper? If you’re ready to take your trading to the next level, don’t miss out on our all-in-one resource designed to help you master tools like ER and other valuable sources to gain market edge! 🔥 Remember: No Valuable Data = No Edge!

Education

by ClashChartsTeam

How To Filter Signals On The 1 Minute Scalping Indicator This tutorial shows you how to use external indicators to filter out signals on the 1 Minute Scalping Indicator so that you only get signals that are in the direction of the trend. Step By Step Process: 1. Pick an external indicator that provides an output value of 1 for bullish, -1 for bearish or 0 for neutral and add it to your chart. We have multiple indicators that can do this, but you can also customize your own indicators to provide this value and use that to filter out signals. 2. Set your desired trend parameters on your external indicator and make sure that indicator is on the same chart as the 1 Minute Scalping Indicator. 3. Go to the indicator settings for the 1 Minute Scalping Indicator and turn on one of the 3 available External Indicator Filters. Then from the dropdown menu, select the external indicator you want to use and make sure to choose the output value that gives the 1, -1 or 0 output for trends. Our indicators will have an output titled "Trend Direction To Send To External Indicators" to make that value easy to find in the dropdown menus. That's it! Let the 1 Minute Scalping Indicator reload with the external indicator trend values and it will only show buy signals during bullish trends, only show sell signals during bearish trends or no signals during neutral markets. Make sure to back test your setup until you find the best external indicators and settings to use that work best for your trading style and then apply that setup to any chart you would like. Here is the code you can use to add a trend value to your own custom indicators and send it to the 1 Minute Scalping Indicator: trendDirection = 0 if close > ema1 trendDirection := 1 else if close < ema1 trendDirection := -1 else trendDirection := 0 plot(trendDirection, title="Trend Direction To Send To External Indicators", color=#00000000, display=display.data_window) Change the (close > ema1) and (close < ema1) to use your own variables from within your script.

Education

10:42

by FriendOfTheTrend

What is ICT Order Block and How to Trade it 👉🏻 ICT order block is basically an area on the price chart which indicates the huge institutional orders and signals the strong reversal or continuation of price. You can use the order block as a confirmation of your trade entry or for the reversal of price. In this article, we will teach you all about order block trading strategy from definition to its identification and to use along with examples. You can jump to the part of this guide, you are most interested in or you can continue reading the whole article : Table of Contents 👇🏻 1 : What is ICT Order Block? 2 : Types of Order Block 3 : Bullish Order Block 4 : Bearish Order Block 5 : Bullish Order Block Trading Strategy 6 : Bearish Order Block Trading Strategy 7 : Final Thoughts What is ICT Order Block? ⚡️ ICT Order block is the area in the price chart, where a large number of orders are executed by institutional traders in the market and market shows sudden strong move from that area. Retail traders follow institutional foot prints, so they wait for these order block zones to buy or sell in the market & make profit along with big institutions like banks. You can see the example of order blocks in the picture given below : Types of Order Block As you know market has two price moves bullish & bearish. So on the basis of price moves, order block is divided into two types. (I) Bullish Order Block (II) Bearish Order Block Bullish Order Block A bullish order block is the last bearish candle before the bullish impulse (strong sudden) move, it typically consist of two candles, with the first candlestick being a bearish and the second candlestick being a bullish one. How to Identify a Bullish Order Block? ⚡️ To identify a valid bullish order block you need to check following things. (I) Second candle being a bullish candle, should grab the low of previous bearish candle. Price should go below the low of previous bearish candle. (II) Second candle being a Bullish candle should close above the high of previous bearish candle. (III) Imbalance in lower time frame in the order block zone. (IV) Structure shift in lower timeframe. To sum it up we can say, second candle should completely engulf the first candle – body to body & wick to wick. You can see the example of bullish order block in the picture below : Bearish Order Block ⚡️ A bearish order block is the last bullish candle before the bearish impulse move, it typically consist of two candles, with the first candlestick being a bullish and the second candlestick being a bearish one. How to Identify a Bearish Order Block? ⚡️ To identify a valid bearish order block you need to check following things. (I) Second candle being a bearish candle, should grab the high of previous bullish candle. Price should go above the high of previous bearish candle. (II) Second candle being a bearish candle should close below the low of previous bullish candle. (III) Imbalance in lower timeframe in the order block zone. (IV) ICT Market Structure Shift in lower timeframe. To sum it up we can say second candle should completely engulf the first candle – body to body & wick to wick. You can see the example of bearish order block in the picture below : Bullish Order Block Trading Strategy ⚡️ In bullish order block trading strategy you would look for shift of price delivery from bearish to bullish and then execute a buy trade utilizing a bullish order block. When the trend is bearish and it approaches a demand zone where you would seek reversal of price and at that area price shifts its structure to the buy-side. Then you will be looking for the order block at the bottom of the impulse move which changed market trend. When you find the bullish order block in that move, it means it was a move involving institutions so you need to wait for the price to test the bullish order block zone to execute a buy trade. When price retraces back and tests the bullish order block zone you can execute a buy trade as shown in the picture below : When tradin bullish Order block trading strategy your stop loss will be 10/20 pips below the low of order block zone. Bearish Order Block Trading Strategy ⚡️ In bearish order block trading strategy you would be looking for the shift of trend from bullish to bearish and then execute a sell trade utilizing a bearish order block. When market trend is bullish and it approaches a supply zone where you seek reversal of price and at that area price shifts its structure to the sell-side. Then you would look for the order block at the bottom of the impulse move which changed price trend. When you find a bearish order block in that move it means it was a move involving institutions so you need to wait for the price to test the bearish order block zone to execute a sell trade. When price retrace back and tests the bearish order block zone you can execute a sell trade. A real market example of bearish order block trading strategy is shown below in the picture. Final Thoughts⚡️ When trading using bearish Order block trading strategy our stop loss will be 10/20 pips above the high of order block zone. Order blocks can also be found in a trend after a pull back and these order blocks confirm the strength of trend. We can use these order blocks to trade the trend or to add new positions in the trend. Like in a bearish trend after a bullish pullback a bearish order block may form, which confirms the strength of bearish trend and we can add a new sell order to enjoy the bearish trend. Likewise in a bullish trend after a bearish pullback a bullish Order block may form which confirms the strength of bullish trend and we can add a new buy order to enjoy the bullish trend ❤️ .

Education

by rezasarabandi7

What Is Momentum – And Why It’s Not Just a Trend Indicator Most traders follow price — candles, trendlines, support/resistance. But there’s another layer that often tells the story before the price moves: momentum. ⸻ 🔍 In this post, you’ll learn: • What momentum really measures • Why it’s not the same as price direction • How momentum can signal a shift before the chart confirms it • Why combining momentum with structure improves timing ⸻ 📈 Momentum ≠ Direction Price can be rising while momentum is fading. That’s often a clue of an upcoming slowdown or reversal — long before the price turns. Similarly, price can be flat, while momentum builds in one direction. That’s tension… and tension leads to moves. ⸻ 🔥 Why Momentum Matters: • It reveals intensity, not just direction • It can act as a leading indicator — not lagging • Momentum divergences often hint at hidden accumulation or distribution • Tracking it helps you avoid late entries or false breakouts ⸻ 🔧 Takeaway for traders: If you’re only watching price, you’re only seeing half the picture. Momentum shows what’s driving the move, and when that drive starts weakening. ⸻ 💬 What’s your favorite momentum indicator? RSI, %R, CCI, or something else?

Education

by TrendGo_Official

Understanding MACD In Trading The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a trend-following momentum indicator that measures the relationship between two moving averages of an asset’s price. Developed by Gerald Appel in the late 1970s, MACD is designed to provide insights into both trend strength and momentum. Unlike simple moving averages, which merely smooth price data over a specific period, MACD goes a step further by identifying when short-term momentum is shifting in relation to the long-term trend. This makes it a valuable tool for traders looking to enter or exit positions at optimal points. 1. Why is MACD important in trading? Trend Confirmation: Identifies whether an asset is in an uptrend or downtrend. Momentum Strength: Measures how strong a price movement is. Reversal Signals: Detects potential changes in trend direction. Entry and Exit Points: Helps traders determine when to buy and sell. 2. MACD Components The MACD Line: Identifies whether an asset is in an uptrend or downtrend. This line is derived by subtracting the 26-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA) from the 12-period EMA. When the MACD Line is positive, it indicates bullish momentum; when negative, it suggests bearish momentum. The Signal Line: Measures how strong a price movement is. A 9-period EMA of the MACD Line. It smooths out MACD fluctuations, making it easier to identify crossovers. The Histogram: Detects potential changes in trend direction. The difference between the MACD Line and the Signal Line. A positive histogram suggests increasing bullish momentum, while a negative histogram suggests growing bearish momentum. 3. MACD Formula The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is one of the most widely used technical indicators in trading. It helps traders identify trends, momentum shifts, and potential buy or sell opportunities by analyzing the relationship between two moving averages. By calculating the difference between a short-term and long-term exponential moving average (EMA), MACD provides insight into market direction and strength. //@version=6 indicator("MACD Indicator", overlay=false) // MACD parameters shortLength = 12 longLength = 26 signalLength = 9 // Calculate MACD macdLine = ta.ema(close, shortLength) - ta.ema(close, longLength) signalLine = ta.ema(macdLine, signalLength) histogram = macdLine - signalLine // Plot MACD components plot(macdLine, color=color.blue, title="MACD Line") plot(signalLine, color=color.red, title="Signal Line") plot(histogram, color=color.green, style=plot.style_columns, title="Histogram") Explanation: Short EMA (12-period) and Long EMA (26-period) are calculated. The MACD Line is the difference between these EMAs. A Signal Line (9-period EMA of MACD Line) is calculated. The Histogram represents the difference between the MACD Line and the Signal Line. 4. Interpreting MACD signals MACD Crossovers A crossover occurs when the MACD Line and Signal Line intersect: Bullish Crossover: When the MACD Line crosses above the Signal Line, it signals a potential uptrend and a buying opportunity. Bearish Crossover: When the MACD Line crosses below the Signal Line, it suggests a potential downtrend and a selling opportunity. MACD Divergences Divergences occur when MACD moves in the opposite direction of the price, signaling a potential reversal: Bullish Divergence: If price makes lower lows, but MACD makes higher lows, it suggests weakening downward momentum and a possible bullish reversal. Bearish Divergence: If price makes higher highs, but MACD makes lower highs, it signals weakening upward momentum and a potential bearish reversal. Histogram Interpretation The MACD histogram visually represents momentum shifts: When bars are increasing in height, momentum is strengthening. When bars shrink, it suggests momentum is weakening. Zero Line Crossings The MACD crossing the zero line indicates momentum shifts: MACD crossing above zero → Bullish trend initiation. MACD crossing below zero → Bearish trend initiation. 5. Trend & Momentum Analysis Traders use MACD to confirm trends and analyze market momentum: If MACD Line is above the Signal Line, an uptrend is in place. If MACD Line is below the Signal Line, a downtrend is dominant. A widening histogram confirms strong momentum in the trend’s direction. A narrowing histogram warns of potential trend weakening. MACD works best in trending markets and should be used cautiously in sideways markets. 6. MACD Based Trading Strategies Entry Strategies Buy when MACD Line crosses above the Signal Line in an uptrend. Sell when MACD Line crosses below the Signal Line in a downtrend. Exit Strategies Exit long trades when a bearish crossover occurs. Close short positions when a bullish crossover occurs. Position Management If the histogram is expanding, traders can hold positions. If the histogram is contracting, it may signal weakening momentum. 7. Limitations of MACD While MACD is a powerful tool, traders must consider: It lags behind price movements (since it is based on moving averages). It can generate false signals in choppy markets. Customization is required to suit different trading styles. 8. Optimization Optimizing MACD for Different Market Conditions Day Traders & Scalpers: Use faster settings like (5, 13, 6) for quick signals. Swing Traders: Stick with the default (12, 26, 9) setting for balanced signals. Long-Term Investors: Use slower settings like (24, 52, 18) for a broader market perspective. 9. Key Takeaways MACD is a momentum and trend-following indicator that helps traders identify market direction, strength, and potential reversals. Since MACD is a lagging indicator, it may generate false signals, especially in sideways markets. Combining MACD with RSI, moving averages, and volume indicators improves accuracy and reduces risk. MACD should be used alongside risk management strategies and other confirmation tools for best results. MACD remains one of the most effective technical indicators, widely used across different markets. It helps traders identify trends, confirm momentum, and optimize trade entries and exits. However, it should always be used with additional tools to minimize false signals. Stay sharp, stay ahead, and let’s make those moves. Until next time, happy trading!

Education

by CandelaCharts

How to Actually Do Backtesting?Welcome back guys, I’m Skeptic! Today, I’m gonna break down one of the most important and fundamental skills every trader needs: Backtesting . Backtesting is the very first step on your trading journey and probably the most crucial one. It’s all about putting your theoretical knowledge and trading plan to the test by evaluating them against historical market data. The goal? To see whether your strategy actually works — with what win rate, R/R ratio , and more. But here’s the problem: many traders do it wrong. They end up getting unreliable results, which leads to self-doubt when it comes to forward testing. The real issue is not your strategy but how you conduct your backtest. Let’s dive into the complete process! 💪 🛠️ Tools You Need To start backtesting, you’ll need some software that supports the replay feature, allowing you to move through historical data as if it were live. The best platforms for this are TradingView and MetaTrader . Personally, I use TradingView because it’s super intuitive and has great backtesting capabilities. Also, make sure to choose appropriate timeframes for backtesting that align with your strategy. 🕰️ Choosing Market Conditions: You need to backtest your strategy in all types of market conditions: Uptrend Downtrend Range-bound High Volatility 🚀 Step-by-Step Backtesting 1.Choose the Timeframe: Make sure your backtesting timeframe matches your strategy’s timeframe. For example, if your strategy works on the 4H chart, don’t backtest on the 1H chart. 2.Select Your Strategy: Stick to your written trading plan without improvising. 3.Pick the Asset Pair: Test on at least three different pairs or assets (e.g., EUR/USD, XAU/USD, GBP/NZD) to get diverse results. 4.Define Entry and Exit Rules: Clearly specify your entry, stop loss, and target levels. Never change these rules mid-backtest, even if it seems illogical. In real trading, you won’t have the luxury of endless contemplation. 🎯 Running the Backtest Use the Replay Tool to move through historical data. Never peek at the future price movement. If you accidentally see it, restart from a different point. Open a minimum of 30 positions for each market condition (e.g., uptrend, downtrend, range). Record each trade in a spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.) with the following columns: Date Time Entry strategy Stop loss Target Result (profit/loss as R/R ratio) Exit time 📊 Analyzing Your Results After completing your backtest, it’s time to analyze the data. Key metrics to focus on include: R/R Ratio Win Rate (%) Drawdown (%) Losing Streaks Position Frequency 🚩 Common Mistakes to Avoid Inconsistent Strategy: Changing your rules during backtesting is a no-go. Stick to the plan. Incomplete Testing: Don’t cut corners and always aim for a substantial number of trades. Ignoring Market Conditions: Make sure your strategy is tested in all four market scenarios. Lack of Patience: Just because the first few trades are losses doesn’t mean the strategy is a failure. Sometimes, a losing streak can be followed by a winning trade that covers it all. 💡 Conclusion Backtesting is the beating heart of any trader’s skill set. It builds confidence and lays the foundation for a profitable strategy. If you found this tutorial helpful, give it a boost and share it with your fellow traders. Let’s grow together, not alone! And as Freddie Mercury once said: We are the champions, my friends! :)🏆 Happy trading, and see you in the next analysis! 💪🔥

Education

123 Quick Learn Trading Tips - Tip #6 - Defensive or Aggressive?123 Quick Learn Trading Tips - Tip #6 - Defensive or Aggressive? To make money in trading, you need to control your emotions. Traders often fall into two emotional traps: Overly Aggressive: After several wins , a trader may become too confident. They might increase their position sizes or take on riskier trades. This can lead to significant losses if the market turns. Overly Defensive: After several losses , a trader may become too fearful. They might hesitate to enter good trades or exit trades too early. This can lead to missed profit opportunities. Maintaining a balance between these states is key. Learn to recognize and control your emotions. Discipline and a calm mind are essential for successful trading. In trading, you must simultaneously be defensive and aggressive. Balance is Key ⚖️ Navid Jafarian Every tip is a step towards becoming a more disciplined trader. Look forward to the next one! 🌟

Education

by Navid_Jafarian

HOW-TO: Optimizing FADS for Traders with Investment Mindset In this tutorial, we’ll explore how the Fractional Accumulation/Distribution Strategy (FADS) can help traders especially with an investment mindset manage risk and build positions systematically. While FADS doesn’t provide the fundamentals of a company which remain the trader’s responsibility, it offers a robust framework for dividing risk, managing emotions, and scaling into positions strategically. Importance of Dividing Risk by Period and Fractional Allocation Periodic Positioning FADS places entries over time rather than committing the entire position at once. This staggered approach reduces the impact of short-term volatility and minimizes the risk of overexposing the capital. Fractional Allocation Fractional allocation ensures that capital is allocated dynamically during building a position. This allows traders to scale into positions as the trade develops while spreading out the risk. Using a high volatility setting, such as a Weekly with period of 12 , optimizes trend capture by filtering out minor fluctuations. Increasing Accumulation Factor to 1.5 results in avoiding entries at high price levels, improving overall risk. Increasing the Accumulation Spread to a higher value, such as 1.5 , expands the distance between buy orders. This leads to fewer trades and a more conservative accumulation strategy. In highly volatile markets, a larger distance between entry positions can significantly improve the average cost of trades and contribute to better capital conservation. To compensate for the reduced number of trades, increasing the Averaging Power intensifies the position sizing proportionate to price action. This balances the overall risk profile by optimizing the average position cost. This approach mimics the behavior of successful institutional investors, who rarely enter the market with full exposure in a single move. Instead, they build positions over time to reduce emotional decision-making and enhance long-term consistency.

Education

How to Use MonthlyReturnTable MonthlyReturnTable Displays ROI, profit, maximum drawdown, and number of trades by month and year. The results may not be accurate, so use them for reference only. This script can be added to the bottom of a strategy script for use. Written in PineScript version 6. Settings Mode : Value Type ROI : Return on Investment(%) Profit : Profit Amount MDD : Maximum Drawdown(%) Trade : Number of Trades Position : Table Position - Displays the table in 9 locations on the chart, combining top/middle/bottom and left/center/right. Precision : Value Precision - Specifies decimal precision (not applied to the number of trades). Text : Font Size - 0 is automatic. MARGIN : Sets the top, bottom, left, and right margins of the table. COLOR : Sets the cell and text colors of the table. Head : Title Cell Bull : Positive Value Cell Bear : Negative Value Cell Zero : Zero Value Cell How to Apply Copy the script below and paste it at the bottom of the strategy script. Cannot be applied to private scripts that are not publicly shared. Comments can be removed. import CHULTOO/MonthlyReturnTable/1 // Output mode and table position string mode = input.string("ROI", title = "Mode", options = , group = "Monthly Return Table settings ──────────────", inline = "0", display = display.none) string tablePosition = input.string(position.bottom_right, "Position", options = , group = "Monthly Return Table settings ──────────────", inline = "0", display = display.none) // Precision and font size int precision = input.int(2, "Precision", minval = 0, group = "Monthly Return Table settings ──────────────", inline = "1", display = display.none) int textSize = input.int(12, "Text", minval = 0, group = "Monthly Return Table settings ──────────────", inline = "1", display = display.none, tooltip = "Text size 0 = Auto") // Table margins int marginTop = input.int(0, "Top", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "2", display = display.none) int marginBottom = input.int(0, "Bottom", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "2", display = display.none) int marginLeft = input.int(0, "Left", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "3", display = display.none) int marginRight = input.int(0, "Right", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "3", display = display.none) // Table colors (header, profit, loss, principal) var color colorHead = input.color(#808080, title = "Head", group = "Color", inline = "1", display = display.none) var color colorBull = input.color(#089981, title = "Bull", group = "Color", inline = "1", display = display.none) var color colorBear = input.color(#F23645, title = "Bear", group = "Color", inline = "1", display = display.none) var color colorZero = input.color(#808080, title = "Zero", group = "Color", inline = "1", display = display.none) MonthlyReturnTable.get_table(mode, tablePosition, precision, textSize, marginTop, marginBottom, marginLeft, marginRight, colorHead, colorBull, colorBear, colorZero) Application Method If the variable name mode is already used in the existing strategy, change it to a different name such as dataType. Removing precision, font size, and color settings - Since precision and font size are in the middle of the function parameters, you must delete them from the middle and explicitly specify the names of the subsequent parameters when calling the function. import CHULTOO/MonthlyReturnTable/1 // Output mode and table position string dataType = input.string("ROI", title = "Mode", options = , group = "Monthly Return Table settings ──────────────", inline = "0", display = display.none) string tablePosition = input.string(position.bottom_right, "Position", options = , group = "Monthly Return Table settings ──────────────", inline = "0", display = display.none) // Table margins int marginTop = input.int(0, "Top", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "2", display = display.none) int marginBottom = input.int(0, "Bottom", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "2", display = display.none) int marginLeft = input.int(0, "Left", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "3", display = display.none) int marginRight = input.int(0, "Right", minval = 0, group = "Margin", inline = "3", display = display.none) MonthlyReturnTable.get_table(dataType, tablePosition, marginTop = marginTop, marginBottom = marginBottom, marginLeft = marginLeft, marginRight = marginRight)

Education

Donchian Channel Strategy like The Turtles Traders The Turtle Traders strategy is a legendary trend-following system developed by Richard Dennis and William Eckhardt in the 1980s to prove that trading could be taught systematically to novices. Dennis, a successful commodities trader, bet Eckhardt that he could train a group of beginners—nicknamed "Turtles"—to trade profitably using strict rules. The experiment worked, with the Turtles reportedly earning over $100 million collectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their strategy, focusing on the core components as documented in public sources like Curtis Faith’s Way of the Turtle and other accounts from the era. Core Philosophy Trend Following: The Turtles aimed to capture large price trends in any direction (up or down) across diverse markets—commodities, currencies, bonds, and later stocks. Systematic Rules: Every decision—entry, exit, position size—was predefined. No discretion allowed. Volatility-Based: Risk and position sizing adjusted to each market’s volatility, not fixed dollar amounts. Long-Term Focus: They targeted multi-month trends, ignoring short-term noise. Two Trading Systems The Turtles used two complementary breakout systems—System 1 (shorter-term) and System 2 (longer-term). They’d trade both simultaneously across a portfolio of markets. System 1: Shorter-Term Breakout Entry: Buy when the price breaks above the 20-day high (highest high of the past 20 days). Sell short when the price breaks below the 20-day low. Skip the trade if the prior breakout (within 20 days) was profitable—avoid whipsaws after a winning move. Initial Stop Loss: Exit longs if the price drops 2N below entry (N = 20-day Average True Range, a volatility measure). Exit shorts if the price rises 2N above entry. Example: Entry at $100, N = $2, stop at $96 for a long. Trailing Stop: Exit longs if the price breaks below the 10-day low. Exit shorts if the price breaks above the 10-day high. Time Frame: Aimed for trends lasting weeks to a couple of months. System 2: Longer-Term Breakout Entry: Buy when the price breaks above the 55-day high. Sell short when the price breaks below the 55-day low. No skip rule—take every breakout, even after a winner. Initial Stop Loss: Same as System 1: 2N below entry for longs, 2N above for shorts. Trailing Stop: Exit longs if the price breaks below the 20-day low. Exit shorts if the price breaks above the 20-day high. Time Frame: Targeted trends lasting several months (e.g., 6-12 months). Position Sizing Volatility (N): N, or “noise,” was the 20-day Average True Range (ATR)—the average daily price movement. It normalized risk across markets. Unit Size: Risk 1% of account equity per trade, adjusted by N. Formula: Units = (1% of Account) / (N × Dollar Value per Point). Example: $1M account, 1% = $10,000. Corn N = 0.5 cents, $50 per point. Units = $10,000 / (0.5 × $50) = 400 contracts. Scaling In: Add positions as the trend confirms: Long: Add 1 unit every ½N above entry (e.g., entry $100, N = $2, add at $101, $102, etc.). Short: Add every ½N below entry. Max 4 units per breakout, 12 units total per market across systems. Risk Management Portfolio Limits: Max 4 units in a single market (e.g., corn). Max 10 units in closely correlated markets (e.g., grains). Max 12 units in one direction (long or short) across all markets. Stop Loss: The 2N stop capped risk per unit. If N widened after entry, the stop stayed fixed unless manually adjusted (rare). Drawdown Rule: If account dropped 10%, cut position sizes by 20% until recovery. Markets Traded Commodities: Corn, soybeans, wheat, coffee, cocoa, sugar, cotton, crude oil, heating oil, unleaded gas. Currencies: Swiss franc, Deutschmark, British pound, yen. Bonds: U.S. Treasury bonds, 90-day T-bills. Metals: Gold, silver, copper. Diversification across 20-30 markets ensured uncorrelated trends.

Education

Use Buy The Dip Like a Lynch While we can’t say for certain that Merrill Lynch specifically uses VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) in their strategies, one thing is clear: they certainly rely on sophisticated statistical tools and data-driven insights to inform their investment decisions. Merrill Lynch, known for its expertise and successful track record, employs a range of techniques to navigate market fluctuations and identify profitable opportunities. In the fast-paced world of trading, every decision counts. One strategy that has stood the test of time is Buy the Dip (BTD). This approach involves buying assets after they’ve experienced a temporary drop, anticipating that the price will bounce back 📉➡️📈. However, timing the dip correctly can be challenging without accurate data and predictive tools. This article explores how to enhance your Buy the Dip predictions using OHLC Range Map and 4 VWAPs set to Century on TradingView. What is the Buy the Dip Strategy? 🤔 The Buy the Dip (BTD) strategy is simple yet effective. Traders buy an asset after its price has fallen, believing that the dip is temporary and the price will soon rise again 📉➡️📈. The challenge, however, is knowing when the dip is truly an opportunity rather than the start of a longer-term downtrend. This is where data-driven insights come into play. Rather than relying solely on intuition, having the right tools can make all the difference. With the OHLC Range Map, traders can gain a clearer understanding of price action, which helps identify whether a dip is worth buying 💰. Strategies for Predicting Buy the Dip Levels 📍 Spot the Dip Using 4 VWAPS set to Century Spot the Dip Using OHLC Range Map 1. Spot the Dip Using 4 VWAPS set to Century 🎯 Load 4 VWAPs on the chart, and configure them as follow: 1st VWAP: Source - Open, Period - Century 2st VWAP: Source - High, Period - Century 3rd VWAP: Source - Low, Period - Century 4th VWAP: Source - Close, Period - Century When the price approaches key support or resistance zones, such as VWAP bands, particularly for well-established assets like ES, NQ, BTC, NVDA, AAPL, and others, there's a high probability of price reversal. By combining this with price action analysis, you can identify precise entry points for a position with greater accuracy. 2. Spot the Dip Using OHLC Range Map 👀 The OHLC Range Map is a powerful statistical tool designed to plot key Manipulation (M) and Distribution levels over a specific time period. By visualizing these levels, traders can gain insights into market behavior and potential price movements. For example, when analyzing the ES chart, we can observe that the bearish distribution level has already been reached for the next 12 months. This suggests that the market may be poised for a reversal, with the expectation of higher prices in the near future. By identifying these critical levels, traders can anticipate market trends and adjust their strategies accordingly. Key Takeaways 🔍📊 Buy the Dip (BTD): The BTD strategy involves buying assets after a temporary price drop, expecting a price rebound. Enhancing BTD Predictions: Using OHLC Range Map and 4 VWAPs on TradingView improves the accuracy of Buy the Dip predictions. Spotting the Dip with 4 VWAPs: Configuring 4 VWAPs (Open, High, Low, Close) on a chart helps identify key support and resistance zones for potential price reversals. Using the OHLC Range Map: The OHLC Range Map helps pinpoint Manipulation and Distribution levels, aiding in market trend anticipation and timing. Combining Tools for Precision: Integrating the OHLC Range Map and VWAPs with price action analysis allows for more accurate Buy the Dip entry points.

Education

by CandelaCharts

How to Backtest a Trading Strategy on TradingView Backtesting is an essential part of developing a profitable trading strategy. It allows you to test how your system would have performed in past market conditions before risking real money. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of backtesting using TradingView’s Bar Replay Tool and other key methods. By the end, you’ll be able to analyze and optimize your strategy for better results. 📌 Step 1: Open Your Chart & Select a Timeframe The first step in backtesting is choosing the right chart and timeframe based on your trading style: Scalping → 1-minute (M1) or 5-minute (M5) charts Day Trading → 15-minute (M15) or 1-hour (H1) charts Swing Trading → 4-hour (H4) or daily (D1) charts Select the asset you want to test (stocks, forex, crypto, indices, etc.) and ensure there’s enough historical data available. Enough available data in this chart: ⏳ Step 2: Activate the Bar Replay Tool TradingView’s Bar Replay Tool lets you scroll back in time and simulate live market conditions. Here’s how to use it: Click on the "Replay" button in the top toolbar. Select a point in the past where you want to begin your test. The chart will "rewind," hiding future price action. At this stage, you’re looking at the market as if it were happening in real-time. This prevents hindsight bias, which is when you unconsciously adjust decisions based on already knowing the outcome. Enable it here: Then choose a point on the chart: 📈 Step 3: Apply Your Trading Strategy Now, it’s time to apply your chosen strategy. This could be: Indicator-based strategies (e.g., EMA crossovers, MACD signals, RSI divergences). Price action trading (e.g., support/resistance levels, candlestick patterns, chart patterns). Algorithmic or rule-based trading (e.g., entry and exit conditions based on technical indicators). The strategies above are just some examples so make sure to use your own strategy. Make sure to document your trade setup, including: ✅ Entry conditions (What triggers a trade?) ✅ Stop-loss placement (Where do you exit if wrong?) ✅ Take-profit target (What is the goal?) ✅ Risk-to-reward ratio (Is it worth taking the trade?) Here is an example how to draw it out on your chart: ▶️ Step 4: Play the Market & Record Your Trades Now comes the real testing phase: Press "Play" or use the "Step Forward" button to move price action forward bar by bar. When a trade setup appears, log it in a trading journal or spreadsheet. Record: Entry price Stop-loss level Take-profit target Win/Loss outcome You can use a simple Google Sheet, Excel or Notion template to track results. The more data you collect, the better your analysis will be later. 📊 Step 5: Analyze Your Results & Optimize After backtesting at least 50-100 trades, it’s time to analyze the performance of your strategy. Here are some key metrics to review: Win Rate (%) → How many trades were profitable? Risk-to-Reward Ratio → Are your winners bigger than your losers? Drawdowns → What’s the worst losing streak your system encountered? Market Conditions → Did your strategy perform better in trends or ranging markets? 🚀 Final Thoughts Backtesting is a crucial step for any serious trader. It allows you to: ✅ Gain confidence in your strategy. ✅ Identify weaknesses and make adjustments. ✅ Avoid trading systems that don’t work before losing real money. However, keep in mind that past performance does not guarantee future results. After backtesting, it’s best to forward-test your strategy in a demo account before using real capital. __________________________________________ Have you backtested your strategy before? What were your results? Let me know in the comments! 💬

Education

123 Quick Learn Trading Tips #5: To HODL, or not to HODL?123 Quick Learn Trading Tips #5: To HODL, or not to HODL: That is the question Alright, crypto adventurers, let's talk about HODLing! 🎢 Ever seen this meme? It perfectly captures the reality of holding onto your Bitcoin! 😂 What newbies think HODLing is: A smooth bike ride to the finish line! 🚴‍♂️💨 Easy peasy, right? Just buy and wait for the moon! 🚀🌕 What HODLing actually is: A wild rollercoaster through mountains, valleys, stormy seas, and even a cloud with a face! 😱🌊🏔 It's a journey filled with dips, peaks, unexpected turns, and maybe even a few moments where you question your life choices! 😅 But here's the secret sauce: The good news is that the more you learn about Bitcoin, the easier it becomes to HODL. 🧠📈 Why? Because understanding the technology, the fundamentals, and the long-term vision of Bitcoin gives you the conviction to weather the storms. ⛈ You start to see the dips as buying opportunities, not as reasons to panic-sell! 📉➡️📈 So, dive into the world of Bitcoin! Learn about its history, its technology, and its potential! 📚💡 The more you know, the stronger your hands will be, and the smoother that HODL journey will feel! 💪💎 Remember, it's not just about getting to the finish line, it's about enjoying the crazy ride! 🎉

Education

by Navid_Jafarian

Ultimate Guide to Technical Indicators 📌 Introduction: In the world of trading, correctly interpreting price movements is essential for making informed decisions. Technical indicators are key tools that help analyze trends, momentum, volume, volatility, and other aspects of market behavior. This guide explores a wide range of indicators—from traditional ones to those that combine advanced techniques—so you can design robust analysis strategies tailored to your style. 📈 1. Trend Indicators These indicators measure the direction and strength of a trend (bullish, bearish, or sideways), allowing traders to identify potential entry and exit points. • Moving Averages (SMA/EMA): Smooth price action to identify trends (e.g., moving average crossovers). • ADX (Average Directional Index): Measures trend strength (>25 indicates a strong trend). • Ichimoku Cloud: Defines support, resistance, and momentum through a “cloud” formation. • SuperTrend: Highlights reversals with a line that follows volatility. • Envelopes: Bands around a moving average to detect overbought/oversold conditions. • Parabolic SAR: Generates dots that indicate possible trend reversals, useful in trending markets. • Alligator (Bill Williams): Uses multiple moving averages to identify emerging trends. • Donchian Channels: Detects breakouts with bands based on historical highs and lows. • Vortex Indicator: Uses two lines to confirm trend direction. • ZigZag: Filters market “noise” to highlight significant movements. 💡 Tip: Donchian Channels can also be used to analyze volatility expansion. ⚡ 2. Momentum Indicators These measure the speed and strength of price movements, helping confirm trend validity and detect reversals. • RSI (Relative Strength Index): Identifies overbought (>70) and oversold (<30) conditions. • MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): Signals momentum shifts through line crossovers and divergences. • Stochastic Oscillator: Compares closing price with the recent range to signal reversals. • CCI (Commodity Channel Index): Detects extreme levels, especially in cyclical assets. • TRIX: A triple-smoothed moving average oscillator that filters out minor trends. • Williams %R: Similar to Stochastic but inverted (-20 indicates overbought, -80 oversold). • Momentum Oscillator: Measures the rate of price change over a set period. • Awesome Oscillator (AO): Compares short- and long-term moving averages to detect momentum changes. • Chaikin Oscillator: Integrates volume and price to evaluate accumulation or distribution. • Rate of Change (ROC): Calculates the percentage price change over a past period. 🎯 Tip: Momentum indicators are often combined with trend indicators to validate moves and reinforce signals. 📊 3. Volume Indicators Volume is crucial for confirming trend validity and movement strength. • OBV (On-Balance Volume): Links volume to price changes to confirm trends. • Volume Profile: Displays price levels with the highest volume concentration. • MFI (Money Flow Index): Combines price and volume, similar to RSI. • Accumulation/Distribution Line: Evaluates money flow using closing price and daily range. • VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price): A volume-weighted moving average used by institutional traders. • Chaikin Money Flow: Integrates volume and price to measure buying/selling pressure. • Ease of Movement (EOM): Shows how easily price moves relative to volume. • Volume Oscillator: Measures the difference between two volume moving averages. • Herrick Payoff Index (HPI): Incorporates volume, price, and open interest (common in futures). • Volume Rate of Change: Measures the speed of volume changes over time. 🔥 4. Volatility Indicators These measure price dispersion, helping define risk and market activity levels. • Bollinger Bands: Expand/contract around a moving average based on volatility. • ATR (Average True Range): Measures the average price range over a period. • Keltner Channels: Similar to Bollinger Bands but uses ATR to set bands. • Standard Deviation: Quantifies price dispersion from its average. • VIX (Volatility Index): Measures expected volatility in the S&P 500. • Choppiness Index: Determines if the market is trending or ranging (high values indicate range-bound conditions). • Donchian Channels (Volatility): Identifies price extremes to measure expansion. • GARCH Models: Statistical models for predicting future volatility. • Chaikin Volatility: Measures volatility using high-low price ranges. • Fractal Adaptive Moving Average (FRAMA): Adjusts smoothing based on market volatility. 🏛 5. Support & Resistance Indicators These help identify key levels where price may pause or reverse. • Pivot Points: Daily levels based on previous highs, lows, and closes. • Fibonacci Retracements: Identify potential reversal zones (e.g., 23.6%, 38.2%, 50%). • Volume Profile: Helps spot natural support/resistance levels. • Moving Averages: Act as dynamic support/resistance over time. • Price Action (Highs/Lows): Psychological levels based on past price action. • Market Profile: Shows volume distribution across price and time levels. • Camarilla Pivots: A more detailed pivot system for intraday trading. • Anchored VWAP: VWAP calculated from a specific starting point, like trend beginnings. • Demark Sequential: Identifies potential reversals through candle counts. • Murrey Math Lines: Sets support/resistance levels based on mathematical scales. 🔍 Tip: Visual examples can help illustrate how these key zones form. 🔄 6. Cycle & Pattern Indicators Analyze seasonal repetitions or chart patterns that can anticipate future moves. • Elliott Wave Theory: Identifies cycles of 5 impulsive and 3 corrective waves. • Harmonic Patterns (Gartley, Butterfly): Geometric formations based on Fibonacci ratios. • Head & Shoulders: A classic reversal pattern signaling trend change. • Cup & Handle: A bullish continuation pattern. • Wolfe Waves: Uses price waves and channels to spot reversals. • Hurst Cycles: A model based on recurring time cycles. • Dow Theory: Classifies trends into primary, secondary, and minor. • Japanese Candlestick Patterns (Doji, Engulfing): Visual signals of reversal or continuation. • Cycle Analytics: Includes tools like Tom DeMark’s Cycle Indicator. 📊 7. Statistical & Quantitative Indicators Use mathematical models and algorithms for predictive analysis and risk management. • Linear Regression: Fits a trend line to price data. • Z-Score: Measures how far price is from its mean in standard deviations. • Monte Carlo Simulations: Simulates probabilities of future scenarios. • Machine Learning (Neural Networks): Uses AI algorithms to predict prices. • Asset Correlation: Measures relationships between assets (e.g., oil & USD/CAD). • Sharpe Ratio: Evaluates risk-adjusted returns. • Value at Risk (VaR): Estimates potential maximum loss over a timeframe. • Cointegration: Detects long-term relationships between asset pairs. • ARIMA (Time Series Models): Forecasts future movements using historical data. • Kalman Filter: Optimizes real-time market estimates. 📢 8. Market Sentiment Indicators Measure trader emotions and market positioning, such as greed, fear, optimism, or pessimism. • Fear & Greed Index: Combines multiple factors (volatility, volume, surveys) to gauge extreme emotions. • Put/Call Ratio: Compares put vs. call options to assess bearish/bullish expectations. • Commitments of Traders (COT): Weekly report showing institutional positions in futures. • Short Interest: Percentage of shares sold short, indicating bearish sentiment. • AAII Investor Sentiment Survey: Weekly retail investor market outlook. • Social Media Sentiment (Stocktwits, Twitter): NLP-based analysis of online market opinions. 📊 9. Custom/Hybrid Indicators These indicators are developed by traders or platforms to fit specific strategies, combining different techniques and data. • ✅ Volume-Weighted MACD: Integrates the MACD with volume data to filter signals. 📈 RSI with Bollinger Bands: Merges overbought/oversold analysis with volatility measurement. 🔗 Ichimoku + Fibonacci: Combines Ichimoku's dynamic support/resistance with Fibonacci retracements. 📉 SuperTrend with ATR: Adjusts SuperTrend sensitivity using the Average True Range. 🤖 Machine Learning Oscillators: AI-trained indicators (e.g., LSTM-based predictors) to anticipate movements. 📍 Custom Pivot Points: Tailored pivot points based on assets or specific timeframes. 📊 Market Profile + Volume Profile: Merges price-time distribution with volume analysis. ⚖ Synthetic Indicators: Mixes data from multiple assets (e.g., gold/oil ratio) to generate signals. 📆 Seasonality Indicators: Based on historical seasonal patterns (like the “January Rally” effect). 🚀 Hull Moving Average (HMA): Optimized moving average to reduce lag and noise. • 💡 Tip: Experiment and tweak these indicators to fit your personal trading style. 📉 10. Derivatives Market Indicators These indicators are designed for complex instruments like futures and options, allowing a deeper market analysis. • 📊 Open Interest: Number of open contracts in futures or options, indicating trend strength. ⚖ Delta Hedging Ratio: Measures the balance between call and put options. 🔄 Gamma Exposure (GEX): Assesses the impact of market makers on price through gamma hedging. 🌪 Implied Volatility (IV): Expected volatility derived from option prices (e.g., IV Rank). 📊 Skew Index: Measures volatility differences between out-of-the-money options, identifying bullish or bearish trends. 📈 Contango/Backwardation: In futures markets, shows whether prices are overvalued or undervalued relative to the spot market. 💵 Volume Delta: Real-time difference between buying and selling volume. 🔥 Liquidation Heatmaps: In crypto, highlight areas where large margin liquidations occur. 🎭 Options Pain (Max Pain Theory): Indicates the price where option sellers maximize profits. 📊 PCR (Put/Call Ratio) for Options: Similar to the Put/Call Ratio but focused on specific option volume. 🌍 11. Macro-Technical Indicators These indicators integrate technical analysis with macroeconomic factors, providing a broader market perspective. ⚖ Gold/Oil Ratio: Reflects geopolitical risk or inflationary pressures. ⚠ Yield Curve Inversion: Happens when short-term bonds yield more than long-term ones, considered a recession signal. 💲 Dollar Index (DXY) + Commodities: Shows the inverse correlation between the dollar and commodities. 🔗 Bitcoin Dominance: Represents Bitcoin’s market cap percentage relative to the total crypto market. 🚢 Baltic Dry Index: Measures shipping costs, acting as an indicator of global economic activity. 🛢 Copper/Gold Ratio: Relates copper (growth indicator) with gold (safe-haven asset) to predict economic cycles. 📈 Equity Risk Premium: Difference between stock and bond returns, useful for measuring risk appetite. ⚡ TED Spread: Difference between interbank lending rates and Treasury bonds, indicating financial stress. 📊 VIX vs. S&P 500: Links market volatility with index trends. 📉 Inflation Breakeven Rates: Calculates inflation expectations from the difference between TIPS and nominal bonds. 📝 Note: These indicators are especially valuable for contextualizing technical analysis within the global economic landscape. 📈 12. Price Action Indicators These indicators rely on direct price movement analysis, avoiding complex mathematical formulas. 🔹 Horizontal Support & Resistance: Key zones manually drawn based on historical price action. 🕯 Japanese Candlesticks: Patterns (Doji, Hammer, Engulfing, etc.) indicating possible reversals or continuations. 📊 Price Channels: Parallel trendlines framing price movement. 🚀 Breakout/False Breakout: Breaks of key levels that may confirm or turn into traps. 📏 Inside/Outside Bars: Candles that remain within or exceed the range of the previous candle. 📡 Order Flow Analysis: Real-time tracking of buy and sell orders. 🔄 Market Structure: Observing higher highs/lows or lower highs/lows to identify trends. 📊 Volume-by-Price: Side histogram displaying accumulated volume at different price levels. 📏 Wick Analysis: Examining candle wicks to detect rejections at certain levels. 🎯 Open/Close Levels: Using previous open and close prices as psychological references. 💡 Tip: Combining price action with other indicators can provide a more complete and precise market view. 🏆 Conclusion Integrating diverse technical indicators allows for a multifaceted market analysis. Each category—from trends, momentum, and volume to macroeconomic analysis and price action—offers valuable insights that, when combined, strengthen decision-making. 🚀 Key Takeaway: No single indicator is infallible! The real power lies in the synergy of multiple tools and strong risk management. Experiment, fine-tune, and adapt these indicators to your trading style and goals to build an effective and personalized strategy.

Education

How to pick a benchmark for you portfolio and beat the market What is a benchmark? A benchmark is an index or a basket of assets used to evaluate the performance of an investment portfolio In the context of portfolio analysis the benchmark serves as a point of comparison to determine whether a fund a strategy or an investment is performing better worse or in line with the reference market. In the current chart, Bitcoin ( BINANCE:BTCUSDT ) is displayed with a solid and larger blue line in relation to other cryptocurrencies for the current period. Benchmarks are essential tools for institutional and private investors as they allow measuring the effectiveness of asset allocation choices and risk management Additionally they help determine the added value of an active manager compared to a passive market replication strategy. Benchmark analysis example: NASDAQ:TSLA - NASDAQ:NDX Benchmark analysis example: NASDAQ:TSLA - NASDAQ:AAPL - NASDAQ:NDX What is the purpose of a benchmark The use of a benchmark in portfolio analysis has several objectives 1) Performance Evaluation: Provides a parameter to compare the portfolio's return against the market or other funds 2) Risk Analysis: Allows comparing the volatility of the portfolio against that of the benchmark offering a measure of risk management 3) Performance Attribution: Helps distinguish between returns derived from asset selection and those linked to market factors 4) Expectation Management: Supports investors and managers in assessing whether a portfolio is meeting expected return objectives 5) Strategy Control: If a portfolio deviates excessively from the benchmark it may signal the need to review the investment strategy How to select an appropriate benchmark? The choice of the correct benchmark depends on several factors: 1) Consistency with Portfolio Objective: The benchmark should reflect the market or sector in which the portfolio operates 2) Representativeness of Portfolio Assets: The benchmark should have a composition similar to that of the portfolio to ensure a fair comparison 3) Transparency and Data Availability: It must be easily accessible and calculated with clear and public methodologies 4) Stability Over Time: A good benchmark should not be subject to frequent modifications to ensure reliable historical comparison 5) Compatible Risk and Return: The benchmark should have a risk and return profile similar to that of the portfolio Most used benchmarks There are different benchmarks based on asset type and reference market Here are some of the most common. Equity FRED:SP500 Representative index of the 500 largest US companies. NYSE:MSCI World Includes companies from various developed countries ideal for global strategies FTSE:FTSEMIB Benchmark for the Italian stock market NASDAQ:NDX Represents the largest technology and growth companies Bonds Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index Broad benchmark for the global bond market JP Morgan Emerging Market Bond Index EMBI Benchmark for emerging market debt [* ]BofA Merrill Lynch US High Yield Index Representative of the high-yield bond market junk bonds Mixed or Balanced 6040 Portfolio Benchmark 60 equities SP 500 and 40 bonds Bloomberg US Aggregate used to evaluate balanced portfolios Morningstar Moderate Allocation Index Suitable for moderate-risk investment strategies Alternative HFRI Fund Weighted Composite Index Benchmark for hedge funds Goldman Sachs Commodity Index GSCI Used for commodity-related strategies Bitcoin Index CoinDesk BPI Benchmark for cryptocurrencies A reference benchmark is essential in portfolio analysis to measure performance manage risk and evaluate investment strategies The selection of an appropriate benchmark must be consistent with the strategy and market of the portfolio to ensure meaningful comparison. Understanding and correctly selecting the benchmark allows investors to optimize their decisions and improve long-term results.

Education

by thequantscience

The Power of a Trading Journal: Key to Consistent Success Have you ever pondered what distinguishes successful traders from those who struggle for consistent profits? One key tool, often underestimated, is the trading journal. Both research and practical experience demonstrate that traders who diligently track their performance and critically assess their decisions tend to enhance their trading skills and overall results over time. While financial markets can seem erratic, a well-maintained trading journal can provide clarity regarding your trading behavior and highlight areas ripe for improvement. Understanding the Trading Journal At its core, a trading journal serves as a comprehensive record of your trades, detailing every decision and its corresponding outcome. However, it goes beyond a mere tally of wins and losses; it acts as a robust instrument for self-reflection and growth. By keeping an organized log, traders can identify recurring patterns, refine their strategies, and cultivate greater discipline in their trading practices. In essence, a trading journal empowers you to track your performance while offering meaningful insights for informed decision-making. What Constitutes a Trading Journal? A trading journal is a personalized record of your trading journey designed to document every aspect of your experiences. Unlike a basic transaction log, it encompasses insights into your decisions, emotional states, and strategies, thereby providing an in-depth perspective on your trading habits and performance over time. This journal functions as a roadmap, enabling you to analyze your actions, learn from missteps, and recognize successful patterns to replicate in future trades. Essential Components of a Trading Journal 1. Trade Details: Log fundamental information for each trade, including the date, instrument, entry and exit points, position size, and the outcome. 2. Trade Analysis and Rationale: Capture the reasons behind each trade, such as market analysis, utilized indicators, or significant news events influencing your decision. 3. Emotional Insights: Document the emotions felt before, during, and after each trade, which will help you identify emotional triggers impacting your decision-making. 4. Results and Lessons Learned: Reflect on the trade’s outcome and the insights gained. Did it align with your expectations? What could be improved next time? By consistently maintaining these entries, your trading journal will allow for systematic performance tracking, enabling you to conduct insightful trade analysis and continuously enhance your trading methodology. The Key Benefits of a Trading Journal Maintaining a trading journal provides numerous benefits that can significantly elevate your trading performance over time. From honing decision-making skills to fostering emotional discipline, a trading journal is an invaluable asset for anyone committed to enhancing their trading approach. 1. Enhanced Decision-Making: Analyzing past trades enables you to discern patterns in your decision-making process, both successful and otherwise. You might uncover that certain strategies work better under specific market conditions or that impulsive trades frequently lead to losses. Understanding these patterns grants you valuable insights for making informed, calculated choices in future trades. 2. Improved Emotional Control: Trading often involves a rollercoaster of emotions, with factors like fear and greed skewing decision-making. Documenting your feelings during trades can help you identify emotional triggers and develop strategies to manage them, maintaining objectivity and preventing emotions from derailing your trading plan. Over time, this fosters emotional control, which is crucial for sustained trading success. 3. Increased Consistency and Discipline: A trading journal encourages consistency by promoting adherence to your trading plan and strategies. By recording every trade—regardless of its outcome—you cultivate a disciplined mindset that helps you avoid impulsive decisions and maintain a structured approach aligned with your objectives. How to Establish Your Trading Journal Creating a trading journal is quite simple; the key lies in selecting the right format and knowing what to document. Follow this guide to set up a journal that effectively tracks your trading performance and identifies growth opportunities. Selecting Your Format: 1. Digital Applications: Tools like Evernote, OneNote, or specialized trading journal software offer accessibility, data backup, and automation. Many apps include analytics features for streamlined performance tracking. 2. Spreadsheets: Utilizing Excel or Google Sheets affords flexibility and customization. You can craft a spreadsheet tailored to your needs, complete with specified fields, formulas, and visualizations. 3. Paper Journals: For those who prefer a tactile approach, a traditional notebook can suffice. While writing by hand fosters reflection, it lacks digital conveniences like searchable records. Crucial Information to Record: To enhance the effectiveness of your trading journal, make sure to include these key data points: - Entry and Exit Points: Log the precise times and prices at which trades are entered and exited. - Position Size and Trade Details: Note the trade size, instrument, and any pertinent details. - Motivation for the Trade: Document the analysis or strategy that influenced your trade decision, whether rooted in technical analysis, fundamental factors, or broader market trends. - Emotional State: Record your feelings throughout the trading process to better understand emotional influences. - Trade Outcome and Lessons: Reflect on the trade's success and any insights gained, noting what worked well or what didn’t. Starting a trading journal requires minimal time but can significantly affect your long-term ability to track performance and improve. Read Also: Reviewing Your Trading Journal for Growth A trading journal can only yield benefits if you regularly review and analyze its contents. Consistent reviews enable you to identify patterns, adjust strategies, and enhance your trading acumen. Setting Review Periods: Designate time—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—to review your journal. These sessions reinforce your commitment to your goals and reveal areas needing adjustment, ensuring ongoing learning from your trades. Spotting Patterns and Mistakes: Analyze your trades for recurring themes. Determine if you consistently act on particular signals or if emotional responses lead to poor decision-making. Acknowledging frequent mistakes marks the first step toward correcting detrimental behaviors. Implementing Adjustments: Leverage insights from your journal to modify your trading strategies. If a specific method isn’t yielding results, revise or replace it accordingly. If certain emotional triggers lead to losses, develop coping mechanisms to mitigate their influence. By committing to regular reviews, you can transform your trading experiences into invaluable lessons that foster better habits and skills. Read Also: Maximizing the Benefits of Your Trading Journal To fully reap the rewards of a trading journal, it's crucial to engage with it effectively. Here are tips to enhance your journaling experience: 1. Maintain Consistency: Regularly enter details after every trade or at least daily. This practice captures relevant details while they’re recent, building a robust record for analysis. 2. Practice Honesty: Accurately document both successes and failures. A truthful account allows for clearer insights into areas needing improvement, as self-awareness plays a vital role in progress. 3. Utilize Visuals: Incorporate charts, graphs, or screenshots to enrich your journal. Visual aids facilitate pattern recognition and provide a more comprehensive understanding of your trading performance. Read Also: Conclusion: The Transformative Role of a Trading Journal A trading journal is an essential tool for any trader pursuing consistent success. By meticulously recording trades, scrutinizing decisions, and learning from both victories and defeats, you can sharpen your skills, master your emotions, and cultivate a disciplined approach to the markets. Beyond merely documenting past trades, a trading journal offers critical insights that can profoundly influence your long-term performance. By consistently utilizing this resource, you can decipher your unique trading habits, refine strategies, and ultimately boost your confidence in decision-making. ✅ Please share your thoughts about this article in the comments section below and HIT LIKE if you appreciate my post. Don't forget to FOLLOW ME; you will help us a lot with this small contribution.

Education

TradingView Telegram Webhook Alert [TradingFinder] No Extra Code 🔷 Introduction In this tutorial, you will learn how to send TradingView alerts automatically and instantly to Telegram without the need for coding. This system is based on the TradingView webhook, which enables receiving trading signals in Telegram channels. Using this method, you can receive buy and sell signals for Forex, Crypto, and Stocks without any delay. The Telegram alert bot supports real-time TradingView alerts and is compatible with all technical indicators, price-based signals, and Pine Script alerts. This method allows you to establish a direct and fast connection between TradingView and Telegram without requiring any programming knowledge. Additionally, this tool is free and does not require registration. In this tutorial, you will first create a Telegram bot to receive trading alerts, then connect the TradingView webhook to Telegram, and finally, learn how to manage trading signals automatically and without delay. 🔷 HOW TO SET UP TRADINGVIEW ALERT WEBHOOK FOR TELEGRAM WITHOUT CODING? Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process of setting up TradingView alerts to be sent instantly to Telegram using a webhook, without any coding required. 🔶 Step 1: Find BotFather on Telegram To create a new bot for receiving TradingView alerts, you first need to access BotFather on Telegram. Open the Telegram app or go to Telegram Web. In the search bar, type @ BotFather and select the verified BotFather account (as shown in the image). Click on BotFather to start creating your bot. This bot will help you generate an API token that is essential for setting up the webhook connection between TradingView and Telegram. 🔶 Step 2: Create a New Telegram Bot Using BotFather Once you have opened BotFather on Telegram, follow these steps to create your bot : Click the START button to activate BotFather. Type /newbot and press Enter to create a new bot. BotFather will ask you to choose a name for your bot. Enter a unique name (e.g.,Alert TV to Telegram). Next, you need to choose a username for your bot. It must end with bot (e.g., Alert_TV_bot). Once the bot is successfully created, BotFather will provide you with a unique API token. This token is essential for connecting your bot to TradingView Webhook. Keep it secure and do not share it with anyone. 🔶 Step 3: Add the Bot as an Admin to Your Telegram Channel Now that you have created your bot, you need to add it as an admin to your Telegram channel where you want to receive TradingView alerts. Follow these steps : Search for your bot in Telegram by typing its username (e.g., @Alert_TV_bot) in the search bar. Open your bot's profile and click "Start" to activate it. Create a Telegram channel (or use an existing one) where you want the alerts to be sent. Open the channel settings and go to Administrators > Add Admin. Search for your bot using its username and select it. Grant the necessary permissions : Enable "Manage Messages" so the bot can send alerts. (Optional) Enable "Change Channel Info" if you want the bot to update channel details automatically. Click Save to confirm the changes. 🔶 Step 4: Generate the Webhook URL for TradingView (Public & Private Channels) To send TradingView alerts to Telegram, you need to generate a Webhook URL. The format of this URL depends on whether you are sending alerts to a public channel or a private channel. Additionally, the message text must be URL Encoded to ensure it is processed correctly. 🔹 Webhook URL for Public Telegram Channels If your Telegram channel is public, use the following format for your webhook URL : api.telegram.org Replace the placeholders with : → The API token from BotFather. → The username of your public Telegram channel (without the "@" symbol). → The URL Encoded alert message. 📌 Example : If your bot token is 123456789:ABCDefGHIjklmnopQRSTuvwxYZ and your public channel username is TradingAlertsChannel, the webhook URL will be : api.telegram.org 🔹 Webhook URL for Private Telegram Channels If your Telegram channel is private, you cannot use a username (@channel_name). Instead, you must use the chat ID. Follow these steps : 🔸 Step 1: Get the Chat ID of the Private Channel There are two ways to get your private channel's chat_id : Method 1: Using @ userinfobot Forward any message from the private channel to @ userinfobot in Telegram. The bot will reply with details, including the chat_id (which is a negative number, e.g., -1001234567890). Method 2: Using Telegram API (getUpdates) Open a browser and enter the following URL : api.telegram.org Replace with your bot’s API token from BotFather. Press Enter, and you will see a response containing messages, including the chat_id of your private channel. The chat_id will look something like -1009876543210. 🔸 Step 2: Use the Webhook URL Format for Private Channels Once you have the chat_id, use the following webhook format : api.telegram.org Replace the placeholders with : → The API token from BotFather. → The numeric chat ID of your private channel (e.g., -1009876543210). → The URL Encoded alert message. 📌 Example : If your bot token is 123456789:ABCDefGHIjklmnopQRSTuvwxYZ and your private channel ID is -1009876543210, the webhook URL will be : api.telegram.org 🔶 Step 5: Configure Webhook in TradingView Alerts Now that we have generated the Webhook URL, the next step is to configure TradingView alerts to send real-time notifications to Telegram. Follow these steps to set up the webhook : Open the TradingView Alert Settings •Go to TradingView and open the chart for the asset you want to track (e.g., BTCUSD). •Click on the Alert (⏰) button at the top of the screen. •In the alert settings window, go to the "Notifications" tab. Enable Webhook URL •Check the box for "Webhook URL" to enable webhook notifications. •Paste your Telegram Webhook URL into the box. Example for a public channel : api.telegram.org Example for a private channel (with chat ID -1009876543210) : api.telegram.org Customize Your Alert Message Make sure your alert message is URL Encoded (e.g., spaces should be %20). Example message : Hello, This is a test alert! URL Encoded Format : Hello%2C%20This%20is%20a%20test%20alert%21 Save the Alert •Click "Save" to activate the TradingView alert. •Now, whenever the alert condition is met, TradingView will send a message to Telegram via the webhook.

Education

How Your Brain Tricks You Into Making Bad Trading Decisions!!!Hello everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic—how your brain can work against you in trading if it’s not trained properly. Many traders think they’re making logical decisions, but subconscious biases and emotions often take control. Our brain operates in two modes: intuitive thinking (fast, emotional, automatic) and deliberative thinking (slow, logical, analytical). In trading, intuition can lead to impulsive mistakes—chasing price moves, hesitating on good setups, or exiting too early out of fear. To improve, traders must shift from intuition to deliberation by following structured plans, back testing strategies, and practicing emotional discipline. In this discussion, we’ll explore how to overcome these mental biases and make smarter trading decisions. Let’s get started! Most traders face common mistakes—exiting winners too early, letting profits turn into losses, holding onto bad trades, or making impulsive decisions. Why? Because our brain isn’t wired for trading. In everyday life, instincts help us, but in trading, they often lead to fear, greed, and denial. Your Brain Operates in Two Modes Just like in daily life, where we sometimes act on reflex and other times think things through carefully, our trading mind also operates in two distinct modes: intuitive thinking and deliberative thinking. Intuitive thinking is fast, automatic, and effortless. It helps us make quick decisions, like braking suddenly when a car stops in front of us. However, in trading, this rapid decision-making often leads to impulsive actions driven by emotions like fear and greed. This is why many traders enter or exit trades without a solid plan, reacting to market movements instead of following a strategy. On the other hand, deliberative thinking is slow, effortful, and analytical. This is the part of the brain that carefully weighs options, follows rules, and makes logical decisions—like when solving a complex math problem or planning a trading strategy. Our intuitive brain is designed to make quick and automatic decisions with minimal effort. This is the part of the brain that helps us react instantly to situations—like catching a falling object or braking suddenly while driving. It relies on patterns, emotions, and past experiences to make snap judgments. In everyday life, this ability is incredibly useful, saving us time and energy. However, when it comes to trading, this fast-thinking system can often lead us into trouble. For example, a trader might see the market rising rapidly and instinctively think, “This can’t go any higher! I should short it now.” This reaction feels obvious in the moment, but it lacks deeper analysis. The market could continue rising, trapping the trader in a losing position. Because intuitive thinking is based on gut feelings rather than structured reasoning, it often leads to impulsive and emotionally driven trading decisions. In the next slides, we’ll explore how to counterbalance this instinct with deliberative thinking—the slow, logical approach that leads to better trading decisions. Unlike intuitive thinking, which reacts quickly and emotionally, deliberative thinking is slow, effortful, and analytical. It requires conscious thought, logical reasoning, and careful consideration before making a decision. This is the part of the brain that helps traders analyze probabilities, assess risks, and make well-informed choices rather than acting on impulse. While it takes more time and effort, it leads to better trading outcomes because decisions are based on data and strategy rather than emotions. For example, instead of immediately reacting to a fast-moving market, a deliberative trader might pause and think, “Let me check the higher time frame before deciding.” This approach helps traders avoid unnecessary risks and false signals by ensuring that every trade is well-planned. The most successful traders operate primarily in this mode, following a structured process that includes technical analysis, risk management, and reviewing past trades. In the next slides, we’ll discuss how to train our brains to rely more on deliberative thinking and reduce emotional reactions in trading. Take a moment to answer these two questions: A bat and a ball cost ₹150 in total. The bat costs ₹120 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost? If 5 machines take 5 minutes to make 5 widgets, how long would 100 machines take to make 100 widgets? At first glance, your brain might immediately jump to an answer. If you thought ₹30 for the first question or 100 minutes for the second, you’re relying on intuitive thinking. These answers feel right but are actually incorrect. The correct answers are ₹15 for the ball (since the bat costs ₹135) and 5 minutes for the second question (since each machine’s rate of production stays the same). This exercise shows how intuitive thinking can mislead us when dealing with numbers and logic-based problems. The same happens in trading—snap decisions based on gut feelings often lead to costly mistakes. To improve as traders, we need to slow down, double-check our reasoning, and shift into deliberative thinking. In the next slides, we’ll explore how to strengthen this skill and apply it to trading decisions. Did Your Intuition Trick You? Let’s review the answers: Answer 1: The ball costs ₹15, not ₹30! If the ball were ₹30, the bat would be ₹150 (₹120 more), making the total ₹180, which is incorrect. The correct way to solve it is by setting up an equation: Let the ball cost x. The bat costs x + 120. So, x + (x + 120) = 150 → 2x + 120 = 150 → 2x = 30 → x = 15. Answer 2: The correct answer is 5 minutes, not 100 minutes! Since 5 machines take 5 minutes to make 5 widgets, each machine produces 1 widget in 5 minutes. If we increase the number of machines to 100, each still takes 5 minutes to produce a widget, so 100 machines will still take 5 minutes to make 100 widgets. Most people get these answers wrong because their intuitive brain jumps to conclusions without thinking through the logic. This is exactly how traders make impulsive mistakes—by relying on gut feelings instead of slowing down to analyze the situation properly. The key lesson here is that we must train ourselves to pause, question our first reaction, and shift into deliberative thinking when making trading decisions. Why is Intuitive Thinking Dangerous in Trading? Intuitive thinking is great for quick decisions in everyday life, like catching a falling object or reacting to danger. However, in trading, this fast-thinking system becomes a problem because it takes shortcuts, ignores probabilities, and acts on emotions rather than logic. When traders rely on intuition, they often react impulsively to price movements, overestimate their ability to predict the market, and make decisions based on fear or greed rather than strategy. For example, a trader might see a market rapidly rising and instinctively think, “This can’t go any higher—I should short it!” without checking key levels or trends. Or, after a few losses, they may feel the urge to take revenge trades, hoping to recover quickly. These emotional reactions lead to poor risk management and inconsistent results. To succeed in trading, we must recognize these intuitive traps and learn to replace them with a structured, logical approach. Let’s look at some common mistakes traders make due to intuitive thinking: Shorting just because the market has risen too much: A trader might see a sharp price increase and feel like it’s too high to continue, instinctively thinking, “This can’t go any higher; it’s due for a drop.” However, the market doesn’t always follow logical patterns, and this emotional reaction can lead to premature trades that result in losses. Buying just because the market is falling: Similarly, traders may feel compelled to buy when the market falls too much, thinking, “It’s too low to go any further.” This belief, without proper analysis, can lead to buying into a downtrend or even catching a falling knife, resulting in significant losses. Taking tips from social media without analysis: Many traders fall into the trap of acting on market tips or rumors they see on social media or trading forums. These decisions are often made without proper research, relying purely on gut feelings or herd mentality. If you've ever taken a trade just because it "felt right" without fully analyzing the situation, chances are your intuitive brain was in control. These emotional decisions are natural, but they often lead to costly mistakes. The key to improving your trading is learning to slow down, analyze the situation carefully, and avoid rushing into trades based on impulse. Why Deliberative Thinking Matters Deliberative thinking is the key to becoming a successful trader because it encourages us to assess probabilities, reduce impulsive trades, and ensure well-thought-out decisions. Instead of acting on gut feelings, traders who use deliberative thinking take the time to analyze market conditions, trends, and risks. By calculating probabilities, reviewing different scenarios, and sticking to a solid trading plan, they can make more rational decisions that are grounded in logic, not emotions. This slow, methodical approach may seem counterintuitive in a fast-paced market, but it’s what separates successful traders from those who constantly chase the market. The best traders don’t act on impulse; they analyze, think critically, and then trade. This approach leads to consistency in trading, as decisions are based on a systematic process rather than emotional reactions. By training your brain to operate in this way, you’ll improve your decision-making and reduce the likelihood of impulsive, emotional mistakes. Let’s look at a real-world example of how intuitive thinking can trap traders: The market rallies from 26,800 to 28,800, and as the price starts to pull back, lower lows form on the hourly chart. Many traders, relying on the short-term price action, decide to short the market, thinking the rally is over. However, when you zoom out and check the daily chart, you notice that there’s no clear reversal signal—it's still showing an overall uptrend. Despite this, many traders act impulsively based on what they see on the smaller time frames, only to watch the market rally another 500 points, trapping those who shorted the market. This is exactly how intuitive traders get trapped—by making decisions based on the lower time frames without considering the bigger picture. Deliberative thinking would involve checking higher time frames, assessing the trend, and waiting for a proper confirmation before entering a trade. By training yourself to think this way, you’ll avoid getting caught in market traps like this one. One of the best strategies for avoiding impulsive mistakes is to always check daily or weekly charts before taking a trade. While it’s tempting to act on short-term movements, smart traders zoom out to get a clearer picture of the market's overall trend. By analyzing higher time frames, you can see if the market is truly reversing or if it's simply a temporary pullback within a larger trend. It’s important to look for confirmation of trends before acting. If the higher time frames show an uptrend, but the lower time frames show a temporary dip, it may be wise to wait for confirmation before making a trade. Don’t rush based on short-term movements; give yourself time to assess the bigger picture and make decisions based on a well-thought-out analysis rather than emotional reactions. Remember, successful traders understand that the higher time frame offers critical insights into market direction. By incorporating this approach, you’ll make more informed, consistent trading decisions and avoid getting trapped by short-term fluctuations. Shifting from intuitive to deliberative trading takes practice, but with consistent effort, you can train your mind to make better decisions. Here’s how you can start: Review past trades – Were they intuitive or deliberate? Reflecting on your previous trades helps you identify whether your decisions were based on impulse or careful analysis. Understanding the reasoning behind your past trades can help you improve future ones. Ask ‘Why?’ before every trade: Before entering any position, take a moment to ask yourself, “Why am I taking this trade?” This forces you to think critically and ensures that your decision is based on analysis rather than emotions. Use probabilities, not gut feelings: Deliberative thinking is based on probability, so focus on statistical analysis and historical patterns rather than relying on your gut. This might include checking your risk-to-reward ratio or waiting for confirmation signals from multiple indicators. Follow a structured trading plan: A solid trading plan with clearly defined rules and guidelines will help you make logical, consistent decisions. When you follow a plan, you’re less likely to make emotional, impulsive trades. By implementing these steps, you’ll gradually train your mind to operate more deliberately, leading to more disciplined and profitable trading. Remember, trading is a skill that improves with practice, so take the time to develop your deliberative thinking. A great historical example of intuitive thinking gone wrong is the Dot-Com Bubble of the late 1990s. During this time, many companies added “.com” to their names, capitalizing on the internet boom. Investors rushed in blindly, often buying shares of these companies based purely on the excitement of the market and the fear of missing out (FOMO). However, many of these companies had no real business model or clear path to profitability. Investors, driven by emotional excitement and herd mentality, ignored the fundamentals—such as profitability, cash flow, and market demand. As a result, the market eventually collapsed, wiping out traders who didn’t take the time to analyze the companies' real value and business models. This is a perfect example of intuitive investors acting on emotions and hype without real analysis—and losing big. To avoid this trap, it’s important to apply deliberative thinking, focusing on thorough research, fundamental analysis, and careful assessment of market conditions. This case study shows the importance of not jumping into investments based on emotional impulses but making decisions grounded in solid analysis. To become a successful trader, you must shift from relying on intuitive thinking to embracing deliberative thinking. Here’s how you can start making that transition: Avoid easy, obvious trades: If a trade feels too easy or too obvious, it’s often a trap. The market is complex, and quick decisions based on gut feelings usually lead to impulsive mistakes. Take the time to think through your trades, even if they seem like a “sure thing.” Develop patience and discipline: Patience is key in trading. Instead of reacting immediately to market moves, wait for the right setups and confirmations. Discipline ensures you follow your plan and don’t get swept up in the moment. Learn to think in probabilities: Trading is about probabilities, not certainty. Start thinking in terms of risk and reward, and assess the likelihood of different outcomes before entering a trade. This shift in mindset will help you make more rational, logical decisions. Be skeptical of ‘obvious’ trade setups: If a trade seems too perfect or too easy, it’s worth questioning. Often, the most obvious setups are the ones that lead to losses. Always do your due diligence and question your assumptions before pulling the trigger. By making these changes, you’ll develop a trading mindset that focuses on thoughtful analysis, patience, and probability, rather than emotional, impulsive decisions. The goal is to think deeper, be more strategic, and avoid rushing into trades based on intuition. Now that we’ve covered the key principles, it’s time to take action. Start by reviewing your past trades. This is crucial for identifying whether your decisions were based on intuition or deliberate thinking. By reflecting on your trades, you can spot patterns and areas where you may have made impulsive decisions. Next, identify your intuitive mistakes. Think about trades where you acted quickly or without full analysis. Were you influenced by emotions like fear or greed? Understanding these mistakes helps you avoid repeating them in the future. Finally, commit to making deliberate decisions going forward. Before you place your next trade, take a step back. Analyze the market, assess probabilities, and follow your trading plan. This shift to a more thoughtful, disciplined approach is what will help you become a more consistent and successful trader. Your next trade is an opportunity to put these principles into practice. Let’s focus on making smarter, more deliberate decisions from here on out!

Education

by GannAstroTrader

11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 1010 1111 1212 1313 1414 1515 1616 1717 1818 1919 2020 2121 2222 2323 2424 2525 2626 2727 2828 2929 3030 3131

Select market data provided by ICE Data services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2025 FactSet Research Systems Inc.© 2025 TradingView, Inc.

More than a product

Supercharts

Screeners

Stocks
ETFs
Bonds
Crypto coins
CEX pairs
DEX pairs
Pine

Heatmaps

Stocks
ETFs
Crypto

Calendars

Economic
Earnings
Dividends

More products

Yield Curves
Options
News Flow
Pine Script®

Apps

Mobile
Desktop

Community

Social network
Wall of Love
Refer a friend
House Rules
Moderators

Ideas

Trading
Education
Editors' picks

Pine Script

Indicators & strategies
Wizards
Freelancers

Tools & subscriptions

Features
Pricing
Market data

Trading

Overview
Brokers

Special offers

CME Group futures
Eurex futures
US stocks bundle

About company

Who we are
Manifesto
Athletes
Blog
Careers
Media kit

Merch

TradingView store
Tarot cards for traders
The C63 TradeTime

Policies & security

Terms of Use
Disclaimer
Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Accessibility Statement
Security tips
Bug Bounty program
Status page

Business solutions

Widgets
Charting libraries
Lightweight Charts™
Advanced Charts
Trading Platform

Growth opportunities

Advertising
Brokerage integration
Partner program
Education program

Community

Social network
Wall of Love
Refer a friend
House Rules
Moderators

Ideas

Trading
Education
Editors' picks

Pine Script

Indicators & strategies
Wizards
Freelancers

Business solutions

Widgets
Charting libraries
Lightweight Charts™
Advanced Charts
Trading Platform

Growth opportunities

Advertising
Brokerage integration
Partner program
Education program