Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

tradergap

S&P Trading Technique

Recommended Posts

I recently read about a simple trading method for the S&P 500. Buy signals are generated when the 1 min, 2 min, and 10 min stochastics point up.

 

Exit and sell signals are generated when the 1 min, 2 min, and 10 min stochastics turn down. Due to the simplicity of this method I am interesting in testing this out.

 

Both entries and exits are not based on price but on indicator signals.

 

Has anyone heard of this trading tactic? How reliable would you think this is?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Indicators tell you what has been happening. They ahve nothing to do with what is about to happen. The ONLY thing that moves the market is supply & demand, or what some call support and resistance.

 

Indicators don't matter.

News doesn't matter.

 

When the market reaches a point of resistance (supply) it will retrace or sell off until it reaches an area of demand or support.

 

I know of people who trade nothing but price.

 

I know of traders who trade market profile based patterns and use only volume to determine wuply and demand. But they're essentially looking for the same thing. Who enters the market when price reaches a previous point where supply or demand rests.

 

Check out The Scientific Investor website and download their free primer.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

tradergap, read through the posts on the forums and you will see that some traders here rely soley on price and nothing else. Trading indicators can be profitable but what are you going to do once they no longer work?

 

Price is king. Market conditions change everday and that is why system trading must be tweaked constantly. Once you learn to trade price, you will be light years ahead of the game compared to other traders.

 

I have also heard of that stochastic tactic but I highly doubt it is a good system to follow. If every single indicator in the world showed bullish signs, the entire world must be a buyer. Who is left to buy?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for the replies. As a new trader starting out in this learning process I have only studied how to apply indicators. Looking for convergence and divergence or using multiple indicator confirmations....

 

As mentioned, the number one trading strategy seems to based on price.

 

My question is: How long will it take for a new trader to understand market action from price only?

 

Do I observe price and focus on support and resistance levels? How do I derive these levels?

 

Thank you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can not give you an exact time it may take for you to learn the markets based on pure price action. I can give you an example from my own experience though.

 

I learned trading while working at my old job at the office. Because I was unable to install any trading platforms, I would simply visit sites like futuresource.com | Futures & Commodities Quotes, Charts, News & Analysis to get delayed quotes and a 15 minute delayed candlestick chart. Obviously these charts do not have advanced technical analysis so the only thing I was able to look at was a candlestick chart. Absolutely no volume or any other technical indicator.

 

The only way for me to update the charts and quotes was by refreshing my browser. So I would reload my browser every 15 minutes to obtain fresh information. This went on for approximately 4-5 months and in the meantime I began to try to predict price. Since it was a browser based chart, I could not see the actual price movement. All I could see was where price would be in the next 15 minutes.

 

This pain in the butt method actually helped me learn price action immensley. I began to write down trades or predicitons on where price would be in the next 15 minutes. I started to realize that prices will move from one level to the next once support/resistance is broken. So I began to look for key support and resistance levels using a 5 minute, 15 minute, and 60 minute chart.

 

I also noticed how overnight S/R levels acted as key pivots for the trading day. Eventually I worked on this skill set to study market profile and came up with my own trading style based on pivots and MP. I no longer use a 5 minute, 15 minute, and 60 minute chart.

 

I use a 233 TICK chart and a daily chart for most of my trading. I have also applied more advanced pivot point trading techniques into my arsenal. But initially, I was kind of forced to learn the markets just by observing price.

 

I am sure you have the luxury of real-time data. Start by taking all your indicators off. Apply a candlestick chart and a time of sales and just sit there and watch it all day.

 

Enough absorption by your mind and you should start to recognize patterns. Force your brain into autopilot. Trading should be as easy as driving a car. First year drivers are usually reckless. In Japan, cab drivers are the best drivers. Why? Experience in a dense city.

 

Commit at least 3 or more months understanding market action based on price. Trust me this will all pay out in the end. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I know of traders who trade market profile based patterns and use only volume to determine wuply and demand. But they're essentially looking for the same thing. Who enters the market when price reaches a previous point where supply or demand rests.

 

I would like to ask one question regarding support and resistance. If I was to analyze the markets and look for support and resistance levels, should I observe past events to predict the future?

 

From my understanding pivot points are not derived from past information?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I would like to ask one question regarding support and resistance. If I was to analyze the markets and look for support and resistance levels, should I observe past events to predict the future?

 

From my understanding pivot points are not derived from past information?

 

I think you got it mixed up tradergap. The market is one big auction place of human emotions. Human behavior repeats itself. That is why price patterns still work to this day.

 

Pivot points are also data derived from the past. You take the previous days close, high, and low to come up with daily pivots. This is still past data.

 

Key support and resistance levels with high volume can act as key reversal points. Try learning crowd behavior and you will have a better understanding of market psychology. One of my favorite crowd psychology books is, The Crowd by Gustave Le Bon.

 

0486419568.01._AA_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Great book by the way. It was recommended by a trading friend also.

 

Have you read Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay?

 

Great book reflecting historical events of greed. One popular story is the tulip mania in Holland where people would trade their house for a couple tulips. Booms and Busts.... this cycle will always exist. It is in our nature.

 

1897597320.01._AA_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

 

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and The Madness of Crowds

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Indicators tell you what has been happening. They ahve nothing to do with what is about to happen. The ONLY thing that moves the market is supply & demand, or what some call support and resistance.

 

Indicators don't matter.

News doesn't matter.

 

When the market reaches a point of resistance (supply) it will retrace or sell off until it reaches an area of demand or support.

 

I know of people who trade nothing but price.

 

I know of traders who trade market profile based patterns and use only volume to determine wuply and demand. But they're essentially looking for the same thing. Who enters the market when price reaches a previous point where supply or demand rests.

 

Check out The Scientific Investor website and download their free primer.

 

Hello Luke,

 

I am interested in learning more about trading with price action. How long does one take to fully understand the movements of the markets with price only?

 

The reason I say this is because I just recently started learning to trade on a short term basis. I have read several books that teach trading with indicators. But reading through some of the posts in this forum, I noticed that many traders disregard indicators as part of their trading methods.

 

I would like to start learning on the right track. Any advise would be appreciated. Thank you

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Robert,

 

Here are my suggestions... Study Wyckoff. A lot of what you read today about technical analysis is based on Wyckoff's work in the 1920's or so. Another great book on swing trading is "New Blueprints for Gains in Stocks & Grains & One Way Formula for Trading in Stocks & Commodities" by William Dunnigan written in the 1940's.

 

Amazon.com: New Blueprints for Gains in Stocks and Grains: Books: William Dunnigan

 

I also recommend reading some free newsletters from Robert Krausz (one of Schwager's Market Wizards) available at the link below. Specifically the stuff on swings and determining the main trend.

 

Fibonacci Trader - The first Multiple Time Frame Software for Traders

 

Over the years, I've read many books on TA published over the past couple of decades, and except for Market Profile, there is very little out there that is original. My suggestion is to go to the source.

 

Hope this helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you very much ant. I have heard alot of great things about Wycoff and I totally agree with you on sticking with the source. The stock operators of the early the 1920's were the original thinkers of trading philosophy.

 

I will take a look at William Dunnigan's book, a little pricey but will give it a shot. Can you also recommend any market profile books? I did a quick search on amazon but only found two different versions; one by Steidlmayer and one by Dalton. Should I pick up both? Thank you

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Robert, I would only pick up Mind over Markets by Dalton. It's the best book out there on Market Profile - it's excellent, well-written, and inexpensive. I'm looking forward to Dalton's next book coming out Feb. 2007.

 

Buy from Warehouse SUPER Sale and get the $10 coupon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you ant. I will start studying Market Profile. I checked with the CBOT website and found some good online recordings on Market Profile. At first glance it seems fairly complicated. It may take some time to fully understand the concept used in market profile.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am a newbie on traderslaboratory but have been trading for about 15 years. I keep experimenting with new trading ideas.

 

 

I have been thinking about a straddle on the S&P 500 index (SPX). Any advice. Seems like bid/ask spreads could greatly limit profitability of trades.

 

Any advice on S&P Straddles?

 

Thanks

 

Vito

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I am a newbie on traderslaboratory but have been trading for about 15 years. I keep experimenting with new trading ideas.

 

 

I have been thinking about a straddle on the S&P 500 index (SPX). Any advice. Seems like bid/ask spreads could greatly limit profitability of trades.

 

Any advice on S&P Straddles?

 

Thanks

 

Vito

 

I have always been interested in this strategy as well. Just not familiar enough with options. Anyone know?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would like to know how to learn to trade by price action, the best trader I've ever seen uses nothing but candle sticks, price & volume. I'm convinced it is the way the sucessful traders do, but not sure where to look for educational info or what I need to focus on or read. I've watched time/sales as suggested above, but...... Any suggestions on what to read, learn or focus on is appreciated..Thnx

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I would like to know how to learn to trade by price action, the best trader I've ever seen uses nothing but candle sticks, price & volume. I'm convinced it is the way the sucessful traders do, but not sure where to look for educational info or what I need to focus on or read. I've watched time/sales as suggested above, but...... Any suggestions on what to read, learn or focus on is appreciated..Thnx

 

What you're asking is how to learn to interpret Market Generated Data. You mentioned using candles, price and volume. That's three basic studies.

 

1. Candles: Study basic pattern formations. Check the book review forum at this site.

 

2.Price: Not all prices are equal. Study a volume @ price histogram. Mark the Highest volume (Mode) which defines perceived value. Define H vol and L vol points (Chartex.com is free). Then study action on a simulator.

 

3. Volume:Tom Williams Master the Markets is a good start, then study Market Profile which combines Price, Vol & Time.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I can not give you an exact time it may take for you to learn the markets based on pure price action. I can give you an example from my own experience though.

 

I learned trading while working at my old job at the office. Because I was unable to install any trading platforms, I would simply visit sites like futuresource.com | Futures & Commodities Quotes, Charts, News & Analysis to get delayed quotes and a 15 minute delayed candlestick chart. Obviously these charts do not have advanced technical analysis so the only thing I was able to look at was a candlestick chart. Absolutely no volume or any other technical indicator.

 

The only way for me to update the charts and quotes was by refreshing my browser. So I would reload my browser every 15 minutes to obtain fresh information. This went on for approximately 4-5 months and in the meantime I began to try to predict price. Since it was a browser based chart, I could not see the actual price movement. All I could see was where price would be in the next 15 minutes.

 

This pain in the butt method actually helped me learn price action immensley. I began to write down trades or predicitons on where price would be in the next 15 minutes. I started to realize that prices will move from one level to the next once support/resistance is broken. So I began to look for key support and resistance levels using a 5 minute, 15 minute, and 60 minute chart.

 

I also noticed how overnight S/R levels acted as key pivots for the trading day. Eventually I worked on this skill set to study market profile and came up with my own trading style based on pivots and MP. I no longer use a 5 minute, 15 minute, and 60 minute chart.

 

I use a 233 TICK chart and a daily chart for most of my trading. I have also applied more advanced pivot point trading techniques into my arsenal. But initially, I was kind of forced to learn the markets just by observing price.

 

I am sure you have the luxury of real-time data. Start by taking all your indicators off. Apply a candlestick chart and a time of sales and just sit there and watch it all day.

 

Enough absorption by your mind and you should start to recognize patterns. Force your brain into autopilot. Trading should be as easy as driving a car. First year drivers are usually reckless. In Japan, cab drivers are the best drivers. Why? Experience in a dense city.

 

Commit at least 3 or more months understanding market action based on price. Trust me this will all pay out in the end. Good luck.

 

Off the top of my head I dont think I have ever read a better piece of advice on learning to trade - thanks James.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the help. What is a 233 tick chart & how do you set it? I use Esignal, but not familiar with a 233 tick ch I chart 15 min & use nyse & nasd $vold $add $trin $tick in that order, breadth is king,, add/dec queen. I haven't read a lot about those indicators on the board. My 2 cents is price will always follow the breadth $vold candles, those indicators have worked well for me. Great board guys thnx for the help and input..Steve

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thanks for the help. What is a 233 tick chart & how do you set it? I use Esignal, but not familiar with a 233 tick ch I chart 15 min & use nyse & nasd $vold $add $trin $tick in that order, breadth is king,, add/dec queen. I haven't read a lot about those indicators on the board. My 2 cents is price will always follow the breadth $vold candles, those indicators have worked well for me. Great board guys thnx for the help and input..Steve

 

You don't happen to trade with thinkorswim do ya? A couple things you wrote there sound shadowtrader-like. I trade with ToS and listen to ST a lot.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Trade with the trend once confirmed. Use support and resistance / pivots as guideLINES. Intraday chart patters are productive, but again only when confirmed. Price, volume, chart recognition for additional opportunities.

 

I learned long ago that calling tops and bottoms will lighten your account.

 

Trvl.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No I don't trade with TOS, but I do listen from a link, I've followed Peter "ST" since 03 when he was a moderator in a trading room. Shadow trader rocks! He has helped my trading more than anyone or anything. Shadow Nation! Sorry to see Peter leave, but Brad is doing great job.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 3rd April 2025.   Gold Prices Pull Back After Record High as Traders Eye Trump’s Tariffs.   Key Takeaways:   Gold prices retreated after hitting a record high of $3,167.57 per ounce due to profit-taking. President Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all US imports, escalating trade tensions. Gold remains exempt from reciprocal tariffs, reinforcing its safe-haven appeal. Investors await US non-farm payroll data for further market direction. Fed rate cut bets and weaker US Treasury yields underpin gold’s bullish outlook. Gold Prices Retreat from Record Highs Amid Profit-Taking Gold prices saw a pullback on Thursday as traders opted to take profits following a historic surge. Spot gold declined 0.4% to $3,122.10 per ounce as of 0710 GMT, retreating from its fresh all-time high of $3,167.57. Meanwhile, US gold futures slipped 0.7% to $3,145.00 per ounce, reflecting broader market uncertainty over economic and geopolitical developments.   The recent rally was largely fueled by concerns over escalating trade tensions after President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new import tariffs. The 10% baseline tariff on all goods entering the US further deepened the global trade conflict, intensifying investor demand for safe-haven assets like gold. However, as traders locked in gains from the surge, prices saw a modest retracement.   Trump’s Tariffs and Their Market Implications On Wednesday, Trump introduced a sweeping tariff policy imposing a 10% baseline duty on all imports, with significantly higher tariffs on select nations. While this move was aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing, it sent shockwaves across global markets, fueling inflation concerns and heightening trade war fears.   Gold’s Role Amid Trade War Escalations Despite the widespread tariff measures, the White House clarified that reciprocal tariffs do not apply to gold, energy, and ‘certain minerals that are not available in the US’. This exemption suggests that central banks and institutional investors may continue favouring gold as a hedge against economic instability. One of the key factors supporting gold is the slowdown that these tariffs could cause in the US economy, which raises the likelihood of future Federal Reserve rate cuts. Gold is currently in a pure momentum trade. Market participants are on the sidelines and until we see a significant shakeout, this momentum could persist.   Impact on the US Dollar and Bond Yields Gold prices typically move inversely to the US dollar, and the latest developments have pushed the dollar to its weakest level since October 2024. Market participants are increasingly pricing in the possibility of a Fed rate cut, as the tariffs could weigh on economic growth.   Additionally, US Treasury yields have plummeted, reflecting growing recession fears. Lower bond yields reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, making it a more attractive investment.         Technical Analysis: Key Levels to Watch Gold’s recent rally has pushed it into overbought territory, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) above 70. This indicates a potential short-term pullback before the uptrend resumes. The immediate support level lies at $3,115, aligning with the Asian session low. A further decline could bring gold towards the $3,100 psychological level, which has previously acted as a strong support zone. Below this, the $3,076–$3,057 region represents a critical weekly support range where buyers may re-enter the market. In the event of a more significant correction, $3,000 stands as a major psychological floor.   On the upside, gold faces immediate resistance at $3,149. A break above this level could signal renewed bullish momentum, potentially leading to a retest of the record high at $3,167. If bullish momentum persists, the next target is the $3,200 psychological barrier, which could pave the way for further gains. Despite the recent pullback, the broader trend remains bullish, with dips likely to be viewed as buying opportunities.   Looking Ahead: Non-Farm Payrolls and Fed Policy Traders are closely monitoring Friday’s US non-farm payrolls (NFP) report, which could provide critical insights into the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves. A weaker-than-expected jobs report may strengthen expectations for an interest rate cut, further boosting gold prices.   Other key economic data releases, such as jobless claims and the ISM Services PMI, may also impact market sentiment in the short term. However, with rising geopolitical uncertainties, trade tensions, and a weakening US dollar, gold’s safe-haven appeal remains strong.   Conclusion: While short-term profit-taking may trigger minor corrections, gold’s long-term outlook remains bullish. As global trade tensions mount and the Federal Reserve leans toward a more accommodative stance, gold could see further gains in the months ahead.   Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Andria Pichidi HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • AMZN Amazon stock, nice buying at the 187.26 triple+ support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?AMZN
    • DELL Dell Technologies stock, good day moving higher off the 90.99 double support area, from Stocks to Watch at https://stockconsultant.com/?DELL
    • MCK Mckesson stock, nice trend and continuation breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?MCK
    • lmfx just officially launched their own LMGX token, Im planning to grab a couple of hundred and maybe have the option to stake them. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.