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.

cuttshot

NQ Traders

Recommended Posts

So over the past few weeks I have really been getting hooked on the NQ. This market seems to move great on a daily basis. I'm in the process of doing an extended backtest to see how well it holds up in different market conditions.

 

I'm curious if anyone has traded the NQ for an extended period of time. If so, does it seem to be a streaky market over time? From what I have seen going back a few months it has held up nicely over an extended period of time. I have been leaning towards looking at range charts. At the moment the candidates are a range of 1 or 2.

 

Any input from NQ traders would be appreciated. I would be interested to hear what other ranges, tick intervals, or time frames that traders are using on this market.

 

Cuttshot

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I been trading NQ for a while now. I use volume charts, and the speed of the chart will depend on the trader. I like 2500 & 8500 constant volume chart sfor NQ. It's not anything magic with those numbers, they just fits the number of setups I'm looking for each day which is around 3-4. Also I trade for 10-20 points at a time. If you want scalp, then you probably should look at 500 -1k constant volume chart.s In short, I traded Es for about 4 years and YM for about 2 years and I like NQ the best. You just have to add 3 NQ contracts to equal the same dollar amount in 1 TF contract which is another good market. NQ is a very fast market.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

thanks jajuanm2. I will have to look into those volume charts. Have you found consistent price action over time? The begining of 2010 was very choppy on the index futures. How did the NQ hold up? I haven't had a chance to work back that far in my testing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

NQ, like the other markets bounces off of support and resistance levels each day. A couple days a week you get a trend day. The key is to know where the key support and resistance levels are and to manage the trades based on that information. Try to get in near support and reduce size or close the trade near resistance. Once price get above the resistance, you can always add more size or reenter. Are you swing trading or day trading?

 

thanks jajuanm2. I will have to look into those volume charts. Have you found consistent price action over time? The begining of 2010 was very choppy on the index futures. How did the NQ hold up? I haven't had a chance to work back that far in my testing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a good NQ scalp strategy. I use a range bar of 1 and go for about 3 points on the NQ. It trades well. Both Thursday and Friday I got 6 points and was done. Not too bad considering that Friday started out slow. I will have to look at the CVB Charts and see if I can use it as a filter or maybe some way to trail.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice trading! Set a goal fo rputting together a good week, once you reach that then your next goal is a good month, then quarter. Hence, consistency will be the key, you have to focus on ways to execute with precision consistently without thinking about money. Once you do that you can just add contracts.

 

I have a good NQ scalp strategy. I use a range bar of 1 and go for about 3 points on the NQ. It trades well. Both Thursday and Friday I got 6 points and was done. Not too bad considering that Friday started out slow. I will have to look at the CVB Charts and see if I can use it as a filter or maybe some way to trail.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Jajuanm2, that is very good advice. Setting goals is key to success. Moving the account forward incrementally. I have traded the NQ for quite some time with a variety of strategies, most of them in the 4 to 8 point range. Currently I use a 2 point range bar and have had very good results. My trades of late are in the 7 point range, give or take. I find that a trailing stop works well too and I could catch some larger moves on most sessions. It's a great market, for sure.

 

I'm going to look at your longer term volume charts too. I like that idea. I think its smart to go for fewer trades to keep the trade costs down, if you can hit a reasonable winning percentage. Thanks..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Jajuanm2,

 

I am using a scalping strategy at the moment. I'm using a range chart of 1 going for 3.5 points on a target. Your longer term charts are on my list of things to look at. Had 3 trades on the NQ today all for winners. Took a partial winner on one of them so total for the day was 9 points. The NQ continues to be a hot market to trade. With the Russell products rebalancing this week the NQ is my index future of choice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice trading ! There was some good movement in NQ today. The range was about 50 points total.

 

Jajuanm2,

 

I am using a scalping strategy at the moment. I'm using a range chart of 1 going for 3.5 points on a target. Your longer term charts are on my list of things to look at. Had 3 trades on the NQ today all for winners. Took a partial winner on one of them so total for the day was 9 points. The NQ continues to be a hot market to trade. With the Russell products rebalancing this week the NQ is my index future of choice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record here but NQ had another great day. 3 more winners for be and 30 ticks of profit. Just off to a great start this week. Tomorrow could be a little difficult with the interest rate statement tomorrow afternoon. I'm leaning towards taking the day off from the index futures.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

amcan that would make sense. we just haven't seen the big extended moves yet this week. We are just kind of bouncing back and forth (atleast during the morning session). The 1 range is more of a scalping strategy so it can catch the quick moves. Have been trading it with 6 contracts and have run into a few issues getting fills. Thats my main concern at the moment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The 1 Range looked great again today. The 2 range bar just didn't have enough juice in it to make it happen although there was one good short right around the open. Looks like the 1 range had a real good day though. FOMC is always hard. I found trading today to be quite tricky.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The volume will start to dry up after the first two hours for all equities index during the summer months. Gets worst in July and August. That could explain your fill issue.

 

amcan that would make sense. we just haven't seen the big extended moves yet this week. We are just kind of bouncing back and forth (atleast during the morning session). The 1 range is more of a scalping strategy so it can catch the quick moves. Have been trading it with 6 contracts and have run into a few issues getting fills. Thats my main concern at the moment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah thats very true jajuanm. With the 1 range I'm typically able to get done within the first 30-60 minutes when things are active. We just aren't seeing the powerful moves through targets this week. I have had a lot of trades give a quick tough of my target and that doesn't always guarantee a full fill.

 

System did great again today considering it was fed day. 3 wins and 1 loss for a positive 17 ticks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

jajuanm2 - i've been using both cvb and range bar charts lately - trading both the nq and the tf. i'm curious re what cvb settings you use for the tf. thanks in advance for your input

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Avalanch, perhaps I'm dense but what are cvb bars? Cuttshot, you've inspired me to take a closer look at the 1 range vs. the 2. The 2 has been great and I still like the fact that you can get a steady 7 point trade. The trade costs make up 1/2 the percentage per trade than the 1 range, which is good. But I like the dodge and dart idea of the 1 range too. Gonna check it out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh of course.. Dah.. Is a constant volume chart the same as a share bar chart? I know what volume charts are but just never heard it referred to as a constant volume chart.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A share bar chart is just another name for volume chart. So I guess what confused me is the term constant volume bar chart. I was wondering if it were just three different ways to describe the same kind of chart or if there is an actual difference between a volume chart (sharebar chart) and a constant volume bar chart. :doh:

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

    • SERV Serve Robotics stock watch, attempting to move higher off the 16.27 support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?SERV
    • MAR Marriott stock with a solid top of range breakout, from Stocks to Watch at https://stockconsultant.com/?MAR
    • Date: 7th February 2025.   Global Currency Market Analysis: Key Drivers and NFP's Impact.   The Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar have performed well throughout the week. However, today, the US will release the NFP Employment Change, Average Salary Growth, and Unemployment Rate. As a result, most currencies are likely to witness high volatility throughout today’s US session. US Dollar The US Dollar may seem like the worst-performing currency of the week. However, traders should note on Monday the currency opened on a gap measuring more than 1%. Therefore, the US Dollar is only trading 0.60% lower this week and that can easily change with the release of today’s NFP data. Analysts expect the Non-Farm Payroll figure to read 169,000 which is lower than the 256,000 from the previous month, but more or less, at the average of the past 6 months. The Unemployment Rate is expected to remain at 4.1% and the Average Salary Growth at 0.3%. If the NFP data reads higher than expectations, the US Dollar can quickly increase in value. Particularly, if the unemployment rate falls to 4.00%. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee warned that higher trade tariffs could drive inflation. Fed Vice Chair Mr Jefferson added that interest rates should stay unchanged until the full effects of Trump's policies. Mr Jefferson is mainly focusing on the effects of tariffs, immigration, and taxes.   Live NFP Analysis   British Pound The British Pound was the worst-performing currency of the day on Thursday due to pressure from the Bank of England. The downward pressure came from the Monetary Policy Committee. Two members of the board, Catherine Mann and Swati Dhingra, supported the adjustment of the cost of borrowing by 50 basis points. Previously, analysts expected only 1 vote. In addition to this, no member took a hawkish stance which also put pressure on the GBP. The Bank of England also made adjustments to the UK Gross Domestic Product to illustrate a weaker outlook. Analysts also expect inflation to rise in the UK due to increases in national insurance contributions. For this reason, many traders currently hold a bearish bias towards the GBP. The current support level for the GBPUSD can be seen at 1.23567 which is currently 0.65% lower than the current price. However, the exchange rate will mainly be driven by the US Dollar throughout the day.     Japanese Yen The Japanese Yen is the best-performing currency of the week adding more than 2.10% to the JPY Index. The main price driver pushing the JPY higher is the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy and recent hawkish comments. Bank of Japan member Mr Tamura stated that the BoJ should raise interest rates to at least 1% by the second half of 2025. He cited ongoing inflation risks, with companies continuing to pass rising raw material and labour costs onto consumers. Tamura warned that if short-term interest rates stay below the neutral level, inflation will likely accelerate further. The hawkish comments continue to positively influence the Japanese Yen, the best-performing currency of 2025 so far. Many investors are looking to increase their exposure to the Yen, attracted by its safe-haven status and its current low value, which remains 14% below its 2022 level. Check out which Japanese Yen pairs are tradable here!     Key Takeaway points: Top Currencies: The Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollar, and Australian Dollar led the week, but US NFP data may shake up rankings. US Dollar: Despite a mixed performance, a strong NFP report could reverse losses, especially if unemployment drops to 4.0%. British Pound Pressure: The BoE's dovish stance and GDP outlook weighed on the GBP, with traders maintaining a bearish bias. Japanese Yen Strength: Hawkish BoJ comments and inflation concerns fueled a 2.10% JPY rally, attracting investors seeking a safe-haven asset. 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. Michalis Efthymiou 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.
    • SATS EchoStar stock, watch for a top of range breakout above 29.6 at https://stockconsultant.com/?SATS
    • HWM Howmet Aerospace stock, watch for a bull flag breakout above 129.3 at https://stockconsultant.com/?HWM
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

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