Geometric Trend Angle [AstroHub]This script, "Geometric Trend Angle," is designed to identify trend reversals based on the geometric angle of the price chart. Here's a detailed explanation of its originality, functionality, and usage:
Originality and Usefulness:
The uniqueness of this script lies in its approach to trend reversal detection through the calculation of the geometric trend angle. Unlike traditional methods, this script combines the analysis of the angle of the price movement with specific conditions for identifying potential trend reversals.
How it Works:
Length and Trend Angle: The user sets the "Length" parameter, determining the period for calculating the trend angle. The script then computes the trend angle, representing the change in prices over the specified period.
Trend Reversal: The script identifies potential trend reversals when the trend angle changes from positive to negative, and the current closing price is higher than the previous closing price.
Green Reversal: Additionally, the script looks for instances where the trend angle changes from negative to positive, and the current closing price is lower than the previous closing price, indicating a potential reversal to the downside.
Graphical Representation: The script visually highlights the identified reversal points on the chart with labels ("Trend Reversal" and "Green Reversal") and draws a line from the reversal point for better visualization.
Alerts: Traders are alerted to potential trend reversals and green reversals, allowing for timely responses to changing market dynamics.
How to Use:
Apply the script to your TradingView chart.
Customize the "Length" parameter based on your preference and analysis.
Observe the colored candles and graphical elements to identify potential trend reversals.
Pay attention to alerts for timely notifications of reversal signals.
Conclusion:
The "Geometric Trend Angle" script provides a unique perspective on trend reversals, combining geometric angle analysis with specific conditions for improved accuracy. Traders can use it as part of their overall analysis to make informed decisions in the dynamic market environment.
ค้นหาในสคริปต์สำหรับ "reversal"
OBV with MA & Bollinger Bands by Marius1032OBV with MA & Bollinger Bands by Marius1032
This script adds customizable moving averages and Bollinger Bands to the classic OBV (On Balance Volume) indicator. It helps identify volume-driven momentum and trend strength.
Features:
OBV-based trend tracking
Optional smoothing: SMA, EMA, RMA, WMA, VWMA
Optional Bollinger Bands with SMA
Potential Combinations and Trading Strategies:
Breakouts: Look for price breakouts from the Bollinger Bands, and confirm with a rising OBV for an uptrend or falling OBV for a downtrend.
Trend Reversals: When the price touches a Bollinger Band, examine the OBV for divergence. A bullish divergence (price lower low, OBV higher low) near the lower band could signal a reversal.
Volume Confirmation: Use OBV to confirm the strength of the trend indicated by Bollinger Bands. For example, if the BBs indicate an uptrend and OBV is also rising, it reinforces the bullish signal.
1. On-Balance Volume (OBV):
Purpose: OBV is a momentum indicator that uses volume flow to predict price movements.
Calculation: Volume is added on up days and subtracted on down days.
Interpretation: Rising OBV suggests potential upward price movement. Falling OBV suggests potential lower prices.
Divergence: Divergence between OBV and price can signal potential trend reversals.
2. Moving Average (MA):
Purpose: Moving Averages smooth price fluctuations and help identify trends.
Combination with OBV: Pairing OBV with MAs helps confirm trends and identify potential reversals. A crossover of the OBV line and its MA can signal a trend reversal or continuation.
3. Bollinger Bands (BB):
Purpose: BBs measure market volatility and help identify potential breakouts and trend reversals.
Structure: They consist of a moving average (typically 20-period) and two standard deviation bands.
Combination with OBV: Combining BBs with OBV allows for a multifaceted approach to market analysis. For example, a stock hitting the lower BB with a rising OBV could indicate accumulation and a potential upward reversal.
Created by: Marius1032
UVR Crypto TrendINDICATOR OVERVIEW: UVR CRYPTO TREND
The UVR Crypto Trend indicator is a custom-built tool designed specifically for cryptocurrency markets, utilizing advanced volatility, momentum, and trend-following techniques. It aims to identify trend reversals and provide buy and sell signals by analyzing multiple factors, such as price volatility(UVR), RSI (Relative Strength Index), CMF (Chaikin Money Flow), and EMA (Exponential Moving Average). The indicator is optimized for CRYPTO MARKETS only.
KEY FEATURES AND HOW IT WORKS
Volatility Analysis with UVR
The UVR (Ultimate Volatility Rate) is a proprietary calculation that measures market volatility by comparing significant price extremes and smoothing the data over time.
Purpose: UVR aims to reduce noise in low-volatility environments and highlight significant movements during higher-volatility periods. While it strives to improve filtering in low-volatility conditions, it does not guarantee perfect performance, making it a balanced and adaptable tool for dynamic markets like cryptocurrency.
HOW UVR (ULTIMATE VOLATILITY RATE) IS CALCULATED
UVR is calculated using a method that ensures precise measurement of market volatility by comparing price extremes across consecutive candles:
Volatility Components:
Two values are calculated to represent potential price fluctuations:
The absolute difference between the current candle's high and the previous candle's low:
Volatility Component 1=∣High−Low ∣
The absolute difference between the previous candle's high and the current candle's low:
Volatility Component 2=∣High −Low∣
Volatility Ratio:
The larger of the two components is selected as the Volatility Ratio, ensuring UVR captures the most significant movement:
Volatility Ratio=max(Volatility Component 1,Volatility Component 2)
Smoothing with SMMA:
To stabilize the volatility calculation, the Volatility Ratio is smoothed using a Smoothed Moving Average (SMMA) over a user-defined period (e.g., 14 candles):
UVR=(UVR(Previous)×(Period−1)+Volatility Ratio)/Period
This calculation ensures UVR adapts dynamically to market conditions, focusing on significant price movements while filtering out noise.
RSI FOR MOMENTUM DETECTION
RSI (Relative Strength Index) identifies overbought and oversold conditions.
Trend Confirmation at the 50 Level
RSI values crossing above 50 signal the potential start of an upward trend.
RSI values crossing below 50 indicate the potential start of a downward trend.
Key Reversals at Extreme Levels
RSI detects trend reversals at overbought (>70) and oversold (<30) levels.
For example:
Overbought Trend Reversal: RSI >70 followed by bearish price action signals a potential downtrend.
Oversold Trend Reversal: RSI <30 with bullish confirmation signals a potential uptrend.
Rare Extreme RSI Readings
Extreme levels, such as RSI <12 (oversold) or RSI >88 (overbought), are used to identify rare yet powerful reversals.
---HOW IT DIFFERS FROM OTHER INDICATORS---
Using UVR High and Low Values
The Ultimate Volatility Rate (UVR) focuses on analyzing the high and low price ranges of the market to measure volatility.
Unlike traditional trend indicators that rely primarily on momentum or moving average crossovers, UVR leverages price extremes to better identify trend reversals.
This approach ensures fewer false signals during low-volatility phases and more accurate trend detection during high-volatility conditions.
UVR as the Core Component
The indicator is fundamentally built around UVR as the primary filter, while supporting tools like RSI (momentum detection), CMF (volume confirmation), and EMA (trend validation) complement its functionality.
By integrating these additional components, the indicator provides a multidimensional analysis rather than relying solely on a single approach.
Dynamic Adaptation to Volatility
UVR dynamically adjusts to market conditions, striving to improve filtering in low-volatility phases. While not flawless, this approach minimizes false signals and adapts more effectively to varying levels of market activity.
Trend Clouds for Visual Guidance
UVR-based dynamic clouds visually mark high and low price areas, highlighting potential consolidation or retracement zones.
These clouds serve as guides for setting stop-loss or take-profit levels, offering clear risk management strategies.
BUY AND SELL SIGNAL LOGIC
BUY CONDITIONS
Momentum-Based Buy-Entry
RSI >50, CMF >0, and the close price is above EMA50.
The price difference between open and close exceeds a threshold based on UVR.
Oversold Reversal
RSI <30 and CMF >0 with a strong bullish candle (close > open and UVR-based sensitivity filter).
Breakout Confirmation
The price breaks above a previously identified resistance, with conditions for RSI and CMF supporting the breakout.
Reversal from Oversold RSI Extreme
RSI <12 on the previous candle with a strong rebound on the current candle with UVR confirmation filter.
SELL CONDITIONS
Momentum-Based Sell-Entry
RSI <50, CMF <0, and the close price is below EMA50.
The price difference between open and close exceeds the UVR threshold.
Overbought Reversal
RSI >70 with bearish price action (open > close and UVR-based sensitivity filter).
Breakdown Confirmation
The price breaks below a previously identified support, with RSI and CMF supporting the breakdown.
Reversal from Overbought RSI Extreme
RSI >88 on the previous candle with a bearish confirmation on the current candle with UVR confirmation filter.
BUY AND SELL SIGNALS VISUALIZATION
The UVR Crypto Trend Indicator visually represents buy and sell conditions using dynamic plots, making it easier for traders to interpret and act on the signals. Below is an explanation of the visual representation:
Buy Signals and Visualization
Signal Trigger:
A buy signal is generated when one of the defined Buy Conditions is met (e.g., RSI >50, CMF >0, price above EMA50).
Visual Representation:
A blue upward arrow appears at the candle where the buy condition is triggered.
A blue cloud forms above the price candles, representing the strength of the bullish trend. The cloud dynamically adapts to market volatility, using the UVR calculation to mark support zones or consolidation levels.
Purpose of the Blue Cloud:
It acts as a visual guide for price movements and stay horizontal when the trend is not moving up
Sell Signals and Visualization
Signal Trigger:
A sell signal is generated when one of the defined Sell Conditions is met (e.g., RSI <50, CMF <0, price below EMA50).
Visual Representation:
A red downward arrow appears at the candle where the sell condition is triggered.
A red cloud forms below the price candles, representing the strength of the bearish trend. Like the blue cloud, it uses the UVR calculation to dynamically mark resistance zones or potential retracement levels.
Purpose of the Red Cloud:
It acts as a visual guide for price movements and stay horizontal when the trend is not moving down.
CONCLUSION
The UVR Crypto Trend indicator provides a powerful tool for trend reversal detection by combining volatility analysis, momentum confirmation, and trend-following techniques. Its unique use of the Ultimate Volatility Rate (UVR) as a core element, supported by proven indicators like RSI, CMF, and EMA, ensures reliable and actionable signals tailored for the crypto market's dynamic nature. By leveraging UVR’s high and low price range analysis, it achieves a level of precision that traditional indicators lack, making it a high-performing system for cryptocurrency traders.
BX-Volume Trend and OscillatorBX-Volume Trend and Oscillator (VTO)
This is my second indicator. I created this indicator for myself. I was inspired by the indicators created by Bjorgum, Duyck and QuantTherapy and decided to create multiple indicators that either work well combined with their indicators or something new that applies some of their indicator concepts. I decided to share this because I believe in learning and earing together as a community. I will later share the rest of the indicators I have created. If you guys have any questions or suggestions write them.
The BX-Volume Trend and Oscillator (VTO) is a comprehensive trading indicator designed to help traders identify trends, momentum shifts, and potential reversals by analyzing volume and price action through various metrics. This indicator combines relative volume analysis with custom Xtrender oscillators and moving averages to provide valuable insights into market behavior.
Image: BX-Volume Trend and Oscillator (VTO)
Features:
Relative Volume Analysis: Measures the current volume relative to the average volume over a specified period, helping traders understand if the current trading activity is unusually high or low.
Short-Term Xtrender Oscillator: This oscillator analyzes the difference between two short-term Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) and smooths it with a custom RSI, highlighting short-term trends and potential reversal points.
Long-Term Xtrender Oscillator: Similar to the short-term oscillator but uses longer-term EMAs and RSI for identifying more sustained trends and shifts.
T3 Moving Average: A smoothed version of the Xtrender oscillator that helps in detecting trend changes more clearly.
Volume Trend Plot: Shows the smoothed relative volume to understand how trading activity aligns with the trend.
Visual Indicators: Uses colors and shapes to highlight significant changes and trends, such as circles to mark potential reversal points.
How to Use the Indicator
Analyze Relative Volume:
Relative Volume Plot: The smoothed relative volume is displayed in white, helping you assess if current trading volumes are above or below the historical average.
High Relative Volume: Indicates strong trading interest, which could support or contradict the prevailing trend.
Image above: is set to daily timeframe
Monitor Short-Term Xtrender Oscillator
Short-Term Xtrender: Plotted as a column histogram with colors changing from green to red based on the oscillator's movement and momentum. Green and lime colors indicate bullish trends, while maroon and red suggest bearish conditions.
Smoothed Short-Term Xtrender (T3): Plotted as a line that adjusts color based on the short-term Xtrender's trend. The line changes color to match the histogram's color, providing a clearer view of momentum shifts.
Reversal Markers: Small circles indicate potential short-term trend reversals, where changes in the T3 moving average suggest shifts in momentum.
Assess Long-Term Xtrender Oscillator:
Long-Term Xtrender: Plotted as a histogram, with color changes similar to the short-term Xtrender. It shows longer-term trends and shifts.
Color Indicators: Lime and green colors suggest an uptrend, while red and maroon indicate a downtrend.
Look for Zero Line Crossings:
The zero line serves as a reference point. Crossings above the zero line may indicate bullish trends, while crossings below may signal bearish trends.
Image above: is set to daily timeframe, and it showcases the Short-Term Xtrender (T3) applied.
Image above: is set to 8hr timeframe: Using the lower timeframe you can spot better details of pullbacks and potential reversals.
Example of Use:
Identify Trend and Momentum: Use the combination of the short-term and long-term Xtrender oscillators to gauge the prevailing market trend. For instance, if both oscillators are above zero and showing upward momentum, it suggests a strong bullish trend.
Spot Reversals: Observe the short-term Xtrender and its smoothed T3 version. If the T3 line changes direction and crosses through previous peaks and troughs, it could signal a potential reversal.
Volume Confirmation: Check the relative volume and its smoothed version to confirm the strength of price movements. Significant changes in volume can validate the trends indicated by the Xtrender oscillators.
By combining these elements, the BX-Volume Trend and Oscillator (VTO) provides a holistic view of market dynamics, helping traders make more informed decisions based on trend strength, potential reversals, and volume activity.
Lastly, my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas /Systems that I share are only for educational purposes!
Goldmine Wealth Builder - DKK/SKKGoldmine Wealth Builder
Version 1.0
Introduction to Long-Term Investment Strategies: DKK, SKK1 and SKK2
In the dynamic realm of long-term investing, the DKK, SKK1, and SKK2 strategies stand as valuable pillars. These strategies, meticulously designed to assist investors in building robust portfolios, combine the power of Super Trend, RSI (Relative Strength Index), Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), and their crossovers. By providing clear alerts and buy signals on a daily time frame, they equip users with the tools needed to make well-informed investment decisions and navigate the complexities of the financial markets. These strategies offer a versatile and structured approach to both conservative and aggressive investment, catering to the diverse preferences and objectives of investors.
Each part of this strategy provides a unique perspective and approach to the accumulation of assets, making it a versatile and comprehensive method for investors seeking to optimize their portfolio performance. By diligently applying this multi-faceted approach, investors can make informed decisions and effectively capitalize on potential market opportunities.
DKK Strategy for ETFs and Funds:
The DKK system is a strategy designed for accumulating ETFs and Funds as long-term investments in your portfolio. It simplifies the process of identifying trend reversals and opportune moments to invest in listed ETFs and Funds, particularly during bull markets. Here's a detailed explanation of the DKK system:
Objective: The primary aim of the DKK system is to build a long-term investment portfolio by focusing on ETFs and Funds. It facilitates the identification of stocks that are in the process of reversing their trends, allowing investors to benefit from upward price movements in these financial instruments.
Stock Selection Criteria: The DKK system employs specific criteria for selecting ETFs and Funds:
• 200EMA (Exponential Moving Average): The system monitors whether the prices of ETFs and Funds are consistently below the 200-day Exponential Moving Average. This is considered an indicator of weakness, especially on a daily time frame.
• RSI (Relative Strength Index): The system looks for an RSI value of less than 40. An RSI below 40 is often seen as an indication of a weak or oversold condition in a financial instrument.
Alert Signal: Once the DKK system identifies ETFs and Funds meeting these criteria, it provides an alert signal:
• Red Upside Triangle Sign: This signal is automatically generated on the daily chart of ETFs and Funds. It serves as a clear indicator to investors that it's an opportune time to accumulate these financial instruments for long-term investment.
It's important to note that the DKK system is specifically designed for ETFs and Funds, so it should be applied to these types of investments. Additionally, it's recommended to track index ETFs and specific types of funds, such as REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and INVITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts), in line with the DKK system's approach. This strategy simplifies the process of identifying investment opportunities within this asset class, particularly during periods of market weakness.
SKK1 Strategy for Conservative Stock Investment:
The SKK 1 system is a stock investment strategy tailored for conservative investors seeking long-term portfolio growth with a focus on stability and prudent decision-making. This strategy is meticulously designed to identify pivotal market trends and stock price movements, allowing investors to make informed choices and capitalize on upward market trends while minimizing risk. Here's a comprehensive overview of the SKK 1 system, emphasizing its suitability for conservative investors:
Objective: The primary objective of the SKK 1 system is to accumulate stocks as long-term investments in your portfolio while prioritizing capital preservation. It offers a disciplined approach to pinpointing potential entry points for stocks, particularly during market corrections and trend reversals, thereby enabling you to actively participate in bullish market phases while adopting a conservative risk management stance.
Stock Selection Criteria: The SKK 1 system employs a stringent set of criteria to select stocks for investment:
• Correction Mode: It identifies stocks that have undergone a correction, signifying a decline in stock prices from their recent highs. This conservative approach emphasizes the importance of seeking stocks with a history of stability.
• 200EMA (Exponential Moving Average): The system diligently analyses daily stock price movements, specifically looking for stocks that have fallen to or below the 200-day Exponential Moving Average. This indicator suggests potential overselling and aligns with a conservative strategy of buying low.
Trend Reversal Confirmation: The SKK 1 system doesn't merely pinpoint stocks in correction mode; it takes an extra step to confirm a trend reversal. It employs the following indicators:
• Short-term Downtrends Reversal: This aspect focuses on identifying the reversal of short-term downtrends in stock prices, observed through the transition of the super trend indicator from the red zone to the green zone. This cautious approach ensures that the trend is genuinely shifting.
• Super Trend Zones: These zones are crucial for assessing whether a stock is in a bullish or bearish trend. The system consistently monitors these zones to confirm a potential trend reversal.
Alert & Buy Signals: When the SKK 1 system identifies stocks that have reached a potential bottom and are on the verge of a trend reversal, it issues vital alert signals, aiding conservative investors in prudent decision-making:
• Orange Upside Triangle Sign: This signal serves as a cautious heads-up, indicating that a stock may be poised for a trend reversal. It advises investors to prepare funds for potential investment without taking undue risks.
• Green Upside Triangle Sign: This is the confirmation of a trend reversal, signifying a robust buy signal. Conservative investors can confidently enter the market at this point, accumulating stocks for a long-term investment, secure in the knowledge that the trend is in their favor.
In summary, the SKK 1 system is a systematic and conservative approach to stock investing. It excels in identifying stocks experiencing corrections and ensures that investors act when there's a strong indication of a trend reversal, all while prioritizing capital preservation and risk management. This strategy empowers conservative investors to navigate the intricacies of the stock market with confidence, providing a calculated and stable path toward long-term portfolio growth.
Note: The SKK1 strategy, known for its conservative approach to stock investment, also provides an option to extend its methodology to ETFs and Funds for those investors who wish to accumulate assets more aggressively. By enabling this feature in the settings, you can harness the SKK1 strategy's careful criteria and signal indicators to accumulate aggressive investments in ETFs and Funds.
This flexible approach acknowledges that even within a conservative strategy, there may be opportunities for more assertive investments in assets like ETFs and Funds. By making use of this option, you can strike a balance between a conservative stance in your stock portfolio while exploring an aggressive approach in other asset classes. It offers the versatility to cater to a variety of investment preferences, ensuring that you can adapt your strategy to suit your financial goals and risk tolerance.
SKK 2 Strategy for Aggressive Stock Investment:
The SKK 2 strategy is designed for those who are determined not to miss significant opportunities within a continuous uptrend and seek a way to enter a trend that doesn't present entry signals through the SKK 1 strategy. While it offers a more aggressive entry approach, it is ideal for individuals willing to take calculated risks to potentially reap substantial long-term rewards. This strategy is particularly suitable for accumulating stocks for aggressive long-term investment. Here's a detailed description of the SKK 2 strategy:
Objective: The primary aim of the SKK 2 strategy is to provide an avenue for investors to identify short-term trend reversals and seize the opportunity to enter stocks during an uptrend, thereby capitalizing on a sustained bull run. It acknowledges that there may not always be clear entry signals through the SKK 1 strategy and offers a more aggressive alternative.
Stock Selection Criteria: The SKK 2 strategy utilizes a specific set of criteria for stock selection:
1. 50EMA (Exponential Moving Average): It targets stocks that are trading below the 50-day Exponential Moving Average. This signals a short-term reversal from the top and indicates that the stock is in a downtrend.
2. RSI (Relative Strength Index): The strategy considers stocks with an RSI of less than 40, which is an indicator of weakness in the stock.
Alert Signals: The SKK 2 strategy provides distinct alert signals that facilitate entry during an aggressive reversal:
• Red Downside Triangle Sign: This signal is triggered when the stock is below the 50EMA and has an RSI of less than 40. It serves as a clear warning of a short-term reversal from the top and a downtrend, displayed on the daily chart.
• Purple Upside Triangle Sign: This sign is generated when a reversal occurs through a bullish candle, and the RSI is greater than 40. It signifies the stock has bottomed out from a short-term downtrend and is now reversing. This purple upside triangle serves as an entry signal on the chart, presenting an attractive opportunity to accumulate stocks during a strong bullish phase, offering a chance to seize a potentially favorable long-term investment.
In essence, the SKK 2 strategy caters to aggressive investors who are willing to take calculated risks to enter stocks during a continuous uptrend. It focuses on identifying short-term reversals and provides well-defined signals for entry. While this strategy is more aggressive in nature, it has the potential to yield substantial rewards for those who are comfortable with a higher level of risk and are looking for opportunities to build a strong long-term portfolio.
Introduction to Strategy Signal Information Chart
This chart provides essential information on strategy signals for DKK, SKK1, and SKK2. By quickly identifying "Buy" and "Alert" signals for each strategy, investors can efficiently gauge market conditions and make informed decisions to optimize their investment portfolios.
In Conclusion
These investment strategies, whether conservative like DKK and SKK1 or more aggressive like SKK2, offer a range of options for investors to navigate the complex world of long-term investments. The combination of Super Trend, RSI, and EMAs with their crossovers provides clear signals on a daily time frame, empowering users to make well-informed decisions and potentially capitalize on market opportunities. Whether you're looking for stability or are ready to embrace more risk, these strategies have something to offer for building and growing your investment portfolio.
VWMA True Range | Lyro RSVWMA True Range | Lyro RS
This script is a hybrid technical analysis tool designed to identify trends and spot potential reversals. It employs a consensus-based system that uses multiple smoothed, Volume-Weighted Moving Averages (VWMA) to generate both trend-following and counter-trend signals.
Understanding the Indicator's Components
The indicator plots a main line on a separate pane and provides visual alerts directly on the chart.
The Main Line: This line represents a smoothed average of momentum scores derived from multiple VWMAs. Its direction and value are the foundation of the analysis.
Signal Generation: The tool provides two distinct types of signals:
Trend Signals: These trend-following signals ("⬆️Long" / "⬇️Short") activate when the indicator's consensus reaches a pre-set strength threshold, indicating sustained momentum in one direction.
Reversal Signals: These counter-trend alerts ("📈Oversold" / "📉Overbought") trigger when the main line breaks a previous period's level, hinting at exhaustion and a potential short-term reversal.
Visual Alerts:
Colored Background: The indicator's background highlights during strong trend signals for added visual emphasis.
Chart Shapes: Small circles appear on the main chart to mark where potential reversals are detected.
Colored Candles: You can choose to color the price candles to reflect the current trend signal.
Information Table: A compact table provides an at-a-glance summary of all currently active signals.
Suggested Use and Interpretation
Here are a few ways to incorporate this indicator into your analysis:
Following the Trend: Use the "Long" or "Short" trend signals to align your trades with the prevailing market momentum.
Spotting Reversals: Watch for "Oversold" or "Overbought" reversal signals, often accompanied by chart shapes, to identify potential market turning points.
Combining Signals: Use the primary trend signal for context and look for reversal signals that may indicate a pullback within the larger trend, potentially offering favorable entry points.
Customization Options:
You can tailor the indicator's behavior and appearance through several settings:
Core Settings: Adjust the Calculation Period and Smooth Length to make the main line more or less responsive to price movements.
Signal Thresholds: Fine-tune the Long threshold and Short threshold to control how easily trend signals are triggered.
Visual Settings: Toggle various visual elements like the indicator band, candle coloring, and the information table on or off.
Table Settings: Customize where the information table appears and its size to suit your chart layout.
⚠️Disclaimer
This indicator is a tool for technical analysis and does not guarantee future results. It should be used as part of a comprehensive trading strategy that includes other analysis techniques and strict risk management. The creators are not responsible for any financial decisions made based on its signals.
RSI of Accumulation/DistributionHow to Use the RSI of Accumulation/Distribution Indicator:
1. Identify Overbought/Oversold Conditions:
Overbought: When the RSI of the ADL is above 70, it indicates that the asset may be overbought and could be due for a pullback or correction.
Oversold: When the RSI of the ADL is below 30, it suggests that the asset may be oversold and could be poised for a rebound.
2. Look for Divergences:
Bullish Divergence: If the price is making lower lows while the RSI of the ADL is making higher lows, it can signal a potential reversal to the upside.
Bearish Divergence: If the price is making higher highs while the RSI of the ADL is making lower highs, it can indicate a potential reversal to the downside.
3. Confirm Trend Strength:
Use the RSI of the ADL to confirm the strength of a trend. For example, if the RSI is consistently above 50 during an uptrend, it suggests strong buying pressure and the trend is likely to continue.
Conversely, if the RSI is consistently below 50 during a downtrend, it indicates strong selling pressure and the trend is likely to persist.
4. Monitor for Reversals:
When the RSI of the ADL crosses above 50, it can signal a potential bullish reversal.
When the RSI of the ADL crosses below 50, it can signal a potential bearish reversal.
Is It Worth It?
The RSI of the Accumulation/Distribution Line can be a valuable tool for traders looking to gain insights into market momentum and trend strength. Here are a few reasons why it might be worth considering:
1. Volume and Price Combination: By combining price action (RSI) with volume-based analysis (ADL), this indicator provides a more comprehensive view of market dynamics.
2. Divergence Detection: It helps identify divergences between price and volume, which can be early signals of potential reversals.
3. Trend Confirmation: It offers additional confirmation of trend strength and potential reversal points, helping traders make more informed decisions.
However, like any indicator, it's important to use it in conjunction with other analysis methods and not rely on it solely for trading decisions. Backtesting the indicator on historical data and combining it with other technical analysis tools can improve its effectiveness.
Feel free to test the script in TradingView and see how it performs in different market conditions. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, let me know! 😊
Curved Smart Money Concepts Probability (Zeiierman)█ Overview
The Curved Smart Money Concepts Probability indicator, developed by Zeiierman, is a sophisticated trading tool designed to leverage the principles of Smart Money trading. This indicator identifies key market structure points and adapts to changing market conditions, providing traders with actionable insights into market trends and potential reversals. The trading tool stands out due to its unique curved structure and advanced probability features, which enhance its effectiveness and usability for traders.
█ How It Works
The indicator operates by analyzing market data to identify pivotal moments where institutional investors might be influencing price movements. It employs a combination of adaptive trend lengths, multipliers for sensitivity adjustments, and pivot periods to accurately capture market structure shifts. The indicator calculates upper and lower bands based on adaptive sizes and identifies zones of overbought (premium) and oversold (discount) conditions.
Key Features of Probability Calculations
The Curved Smart Money Concepts Probability indicator integrates sophisticated probability calculations to enhance trading decision-making:
Win/Loss Tracking: The indicator tracks the number of successful (win) and unsuccessful (loss) trades based on the identified market structure points (ChoCH, SMS, BMS). This provides a historical context of the indicator's performance.
Probability Percentages: For each market structure point (ChoCH, SMS, BMS), the indicator calculates the probability of the next move being successful or not. This is presented as a percentage, giving traders a quantifiable measure of confidence in the signals.
Dynamic Adaptation: The probability calculations adapt to market conditions by considering the frequency and success rate of the signals, allowing traders to adjust their strategies based on the indicator’s historical accuracy.
Visual Representation: Probabilities are displayed on the chart, helping traders quickly assess the likelihood of future price movements based on past performance.
Key benefits of the Curved Structure
The Curved Smart Money Concepts Probability indicator features a unique curved structure that offers several advantages over traditional linear structures:
Noise Reduction: The curved structure smooths out short-term market fluctuations, reducing the noise often seen in linear structures. This helps traders focus on the true trend direction rather than getting distracted by minor price movements.
Adaptive Sensitivity: The curved structure adjusts its sensitivity based on market conditions. This means it can effectively capture both short-term and long-term trends by dynamically adapting to changes in market volatility, something linear structures struggle with.
Enhanced Trend Detection: By providing a more gradual transition between market phases, the curved structure helps in identifying trends more accurately. This is particularly useful in volatile markets where linear structures might give false signals due to their rigid nature.
Improved Market Structure Analysis: The curved structure's ability to adapt and smooth out irregularities provides a clearer picture of the overall market structure. This clarity is essential for identifying premium and discount zones, as well as mid-range support and resistance levels, which are crucial for effective ICT Smart Money Trading.
█ Terminology
ChoCH (Change of Character): Indicates a potential reversal in market direction. It is identified when the price breaks a significant high or low, suggesting a shift from a bullish to bearish trend or vice versa.
SMS (Smart Money Shift): Represents the transition phase in market structure where smart money begins accumulating or distributing assets. It typically follows a BMS and indicates the start of a new trend.
BMS (Bullish/Bearish Market Structure): Confirms the trend direction. Bullish Market Structure (BMS) confirms an uptrend, while Bearish Market Structure (BMS) confirms a downtrend. It is characterized by a series of higher highs and higher lows (bullish) or lower highs and lower lows (bearish).
Premium: A zone where the price is considered overbought. It is calculated as the upper range of the current market structure and indicates a potential area for selling or shorting.
Mid Range: The midpoint between the high and low of the market structure. It often acts as a support or resistance level, helping traders identify potential reversal or continuation points.
Discount: A zone where the price is considered oversold. It is calculated as the lower range of the current market structure and indicates a potential area for buying or going long.
█ How to Use
Identifying Trends and Reversals: Traders can use the indicator to identify the overall market trend and potential reversal points. By observing the ChoCH, SMS, and BMS signals, traders can gauge whether the market is transitioning into a new trend or continuing the current trend.
Example Strategies
⚪ Trend Following Strategy:
Identify the current market trend using BMS signals.
Enter a trade in the direction of the trend when the price retraces to the mid-range zone.
Set a stop-loss just below the mid-range (for long trades) or above the mid-range (for short trades).
Take profit in the premium/discount zone or when a ChoCH signal indicates a potential reversal.
⚪ Reversal Strategy:
Wait for a ChoCH signal to identify a potential market reversal.
Enter a trade in the direction of the new trend as indicated by the SMS signal.
Set a stop-loss just beyond the recent high (for short trades) or low (for long trades).
Take profit when the price reaches the premium or discount zone opposite to the entry.
█ Settings
Curved Trend Length: Determines the length of the trend used to calculate the adaptive size of the structure. Adjusting this length allows traders to capture either longer-term trends (for smoother curves) or short-term trends (for more reactive curves).
Curved Multiplier: Scales the adjustment factors for the upper and lower bands. Increasing the multiplier widens the bands, reducing sensitivity to price changes. Decreasing it narrows the bands, making the structure more responsive.
Pivot Period: Sets the period for capturing trends. A higher period captures broader trends, while a lower period focuses on short-term trends.
Response Period: Adjusts the structure’s responsiveness. A low value focuses on short-term changes, while a high value smoothens the structure.
Premium/Discount Range: Allows toggling between displaying the active range or previous range to analyze real-time or historical levels.
Structure Candles: Enables the display of curved structure candles on the chart, providing a modified view of price action.
-----------------
Disclaimer
The information contained in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities of any type. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information.
All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on an evaluation of their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
My Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems are only for educational purposes!
Volume Trend Swing Points | viResearchVolume Trend Swing Points | viResearch
Conceptual Foundation and Innovation
The "Volume Trend Swing Points" script is designed to identify pivotal swing points in market trends by leveraging the Price Volume Trend (PVT) indicator. This unique approach combines price and volume movements to highlight moments when a market may experience a significant trend reversal. By detecting the highest and lowest points of the PVT over customizable periods, this script aims to provide traders with valuable insights into potential bullish or bearish market behavior.
The simplicity of the script, combined with its use of the PVT, offers an effective way for traders to anticipate key market swings based on both price and volume momentum.
Technical Composition and Calculation
The core of the "Volume Trend Swing Points" script is built around the Price Volume Trend (PVT) indicator, which adjusts price changes according to trading volume. The script focuses on identifying the highest and lowest values of the PVT over user-defined lookback periods:
Price Volume Trend (PVT): The PVT is used to calculate the momentum of price movements, taking volume into account. By incorporating both price and volume, the PVT offers a more dynamic and responsive indicator of trend direction compared to price alone.
Swing Point Detection: The script identifies the highest and lowest PVT values over user-defined lookback periods (x for highs and y for lows). When the current PVT matches either the highest or lowest value, it signals a potential trend reversal or continuation, depending on whether the high or low is detected.
Entry and Exit Signals: A long signal (bullish) is generated when the current PVT matches the highest value over the lookback period, while a short signal (bearish) is generated when the current PVT matches the lowest value. These signals can be visualized with alerts and background colors.
Features and User Inputs
The "Volume Trend Swing Points" script allows traders to customize several parameters to better suit their trading strategies and market conditions:
Lookback Periods (x and y): The script allows for two customizable lookback periods—one for detecting the highest PVT and another for the lowest. Adjusting these values can help refine the sensitivity of the swing points.
Bar Coloring: The script includes an optional setting to color the bars based on detected bullish or bearish trends, making it easier to visualize potential market shifts.
Background Colors: The background color changes dynamically based on whether a high or low swing point is detected, providing traders with a clear visual indication of potential trend reversals.
Alerts: The script includes alert conditions for both long and short signals, enabling traders to set notifications for when potential swing points are detected.
Practical Applications
The "Volume Trend Swing Points" script is ideal for traders who focus on price and volume dynamics when making trading decisions. Its application is particularly useful in the following scenarios:
Detecting Trend Reversals: By identifying the highest and lowest PVT values over a given period, the script can help traders spot potential reversal points, allowing for more timely entries or exits.
Confirming Trend Continuations: When the PVT continues to match the highest or lowest values, it may indicate that the trend is likely to continue, helping traders maintain their positions with greater confidence.
Volume-Based Trend Analysis: Since the script uses the PVT, it is particularly effective in markets where volume plays a significant role in driving price movements, offering insights that go beyond simple price-based indicators.
Advantages and Strategic Value
This script enhances traditional trend analysis by incorporating both price and volume through the PVT, providing a more comprehensive view of market momentum. The customizable lookback periods allow traders to adapt the script to different assets and timeframes, making it a versatile tool for swing trading and trend-following strategies.
The visual cues provided by bar coloring and background shading help traders quickly identify potential market shifts, improving decision-making speed and accuracy.
Summary and Usage Tips
The "Volume Trend Swing Points" script is a straightforward yet powerful tool for identifying market reversals and trend continuations based on both price and volume. By adjusting the lookback periods, traders can fine-tune the script to better suit their trading style and the assets they are monitoring. The visual and alert features further enhance the script's usability, making it easy to incorporate into a trading strategy.
Remember to backtest the script across various market conditions to better understand its performance. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results, so using this script in conjunction with other technical tools is recommended for optimal decision-making.
Kashif_MFI+RSI+BBMerging Money Flow Index (MFI), Relative Strength Index (RSI), and Bollinger Bands in TradingView can offer traders a comprehensive view of market conditions, providing insights into potential price reversals, overbought or oversold conditions, and potential trend changes. Here are some benefits of combining these indicators:
Confirmation of Overbought and Oversold Conditions:
MFI and RSI are both oscillators that measure overbought and oversold conditions. When MFI and RSI readings are high (above their respective overbought levels), and the price is near or above the upper Bollinger Band, it may suggest that the asset is overextended and a reversal could be imminent. Conversely, when MFI and RSI readings are low (below their respective oversold levels) and the price is near or below the lower Bollinger Band, it may indicate potential buying opportunities.
Divergence Analysis:
Traders often look for divergences between price action and MFI/RSI. If the price is making new highs, but MFI/RSI is not confirming these highs (bearish divergence), it could signal weakening momentum and a possible reversal. Combining this analysis with Bollinger Bands can add another layer of confirmation, especially if the price is touching or exceeding the upper Bollinger Band during this divergence.
Volatility Confirmation:
Bollinger Bands provide a measure of volatility by expanding and contracting based on price volatility. If the bands are widening, it indicates increased volatility. Combining this information with MFI and RSI readings can help traders assess the strength of a trend. For example, during a strong uptrend, if MFI and RSI are high and Bollinger Bands are expanding, it may suggest a sustained bullish trend.
Identifying Trend Reversals:
The combination of MFI, RSI, and Bollinger Bands can be useful in identifying potential trend reversals. For instance, if MFI and RSI are in overbought conditions and the price is significantly above the upper Bollinger Band, it may signal that the trend is reaching an extreme and could reverse. Conversely, if MFI and RSI are in oversold conditions and the price is near or below the lower Bollinger Band, it may suggest that selling pressure is exhausted, and a reversal might be in play.
Comprehensive Market Assessment:
By merging these indicators, traders get a more comprehensive view of market conditions. They can assess both momentum (MFI and RSI) and volatility (Bollinger Bands) simultaneously, helping them make more informed trading decisions.
It's important to note that no single indicator or combination of indicators guarantees accurate predictions in trading. Traders should use these tools as part of a broader analysis and consider other factors such as fundamental analysis, market trends, and risk management.
SMC Liquidity Engine Pro SMC Liquidity Engine Pro - Complete Trading Guide & Documentation
📊 Introduction: Understanding Smart Money Concepts
The SMC Liquidity Engine Pro is a comprehensive, institutional-grade trading indicator that brings professional Smart Money Concepts (SMC) methodology directly to your TradingView charts. This isn't just another technical indicator—it's a complete framework for understanding how institutional traders, market makers, banks, and hedge funds manipulate and move the markets.
What Makes This Different?
While most retail traders rely on lagging indicators like moving averages or RSI, this indicator reveals the real-time footprints of institutional activity. It shows you:
Where large players are accumulating or distributing positions
How they engineer liquidity to trigger retail stop losses
When they're shifting from one directional bias to another
Where price inefficiencies exist that institutions will likely revisit
The markets don't move randomly—they move based on liquidity. Understanding this fundamental truth is what separates consistently profitable traders from those who struggle. This indicator decodes that liquidity-driven behavior and presents it in clear, actionable visual signals.
The Philosophy Behind Smart Money Concepts
Smart Money Concepts is built on several core principles:
1. Liquidity is King: Price doesn't move because of patterns or indicators—it moves to collect liquidity (stop losses and pending orders). Institutions need massive liquidity to fill their large positions, so they engineer price movements to create that liquidity before making their real directional move.
2. Market Structure Reveals Intent: The way price forms highs and lows tells a story about who's in control. When structure breaks, it signals a shift in institutional positioning.
3. Inefficiencies Get Filled: When price moves too quickly in one direction, it leaves behind "fair value gaps"—areas of imbalance. Institutions frequently return to these areas to fill orders and restore balance.
4. Manipulation Precedes True Moves: The most explosive directional moves are often preceded by liquidity sweeps in the opposite direction—trapping retail traders before the real move begins.
This indicator automates the identification of all these concepts, allowing you to trade alongside the smart money rather than being their exit liquidity.
🎯 Core Features - Deep Dive
1. Market Structure Detection & Visualization
What It Is: Market structure forms the foundation of all Smart Money analysis. This indicator automatically identifies and tracks swing highs and swing lows using a sophisticated pivot detection algorithm. These aren't just any price points—they represent areas where the market showed a significant shift in supply and demand dynamics.
How It Works: The indicator uses a customizable lookback period to identify valid swing points. A swing high must have lower highs on both sides within the lookback period, and a swing low must have higher lows on both sides. This ensures that only significant structural points are marked, filtering out minor noise and consolidation.
Visual Presentation:
Bullish Structure (Cyan Lines): Horizontal lines extending from each identified swing high, showing resistance levels that price previously respected
Bearish Structure (Red Lines): Horizontal lines extending from each identified swing low, showing support levels where buying pressure emerged
Trading Application: These structure levels serve multiple purposes:
Target Zones: Previous highs become targets in uptrends; previous lows become targets in downtrends
Invalidation Levels: If expecting a bullish move, breaking below the last swing low invalidates the setup
Context for Other Signals: All BOS, CHOCH, and liquidity sweep signals gain meaning from their relationship to structure
Multi-Timeframe Anchors: Higher timeframe structure provides context for lower timeframe entries
Advanced Tip: When multiple timeframe structures align (e.g., a daily swing low coincides with a 4-hour swing low), these levels carry significantly more weight and are more likely to be defended or, when broken, lead to explosive moves.
2. Break of Structure (BOS) - Trend Confirmation
What It Is: A Break of Structure occurs when price definitively closes beyond a previous swing high (bullish BOS) or swing low (bearish BOS). This signals that the current trend maintains its momentum and is likely to continue in the same direction.
The Institutional Perspective: When institutions want to continue pushing price in a direction, they need to break through previous resistance or support. A clean BOS indicates that:
There's sufficient institutional buying/selling to overcome the supply/demand at previous structure
The trend has enough momentum to attract more participants
Stop losses above/below structure have been triggered, providing liquidity for continuation
Signal Characteristics:
Bullish BOS Label: Appears below the bar that closes above the previous swing high
Bearish BOS Label: Appears above the bar that closes below the previous swing low
Confirmation: Requires a full candle close, preventing false signals from wicks
Trading Strategies:
Trend Continuation Entries: After a BOS, wait for a pullback to a Fair Value Gap or minor structure, then enter in the direction of the break
Breakout Trading: Enter immediately on BOS confirmation with a stop below the broken structure
Momentum Confirmation: Use BOS to confirm that your existing position is aligned with institutional flow
Scaling Strategy: Add to positions on each successive BOS in trending markets
What to Watch For:
Volume: Strong BOS movements should be accompanied by above-average volume
Speed: Rapid price movement through structure suggests institutional urgency
Follow-Through: The best BOS signals see price continue strongly without immediately reversing
Higher Timeframe Alignment: BOS on higher timeframes (4H, Daily) carry more weight than lower timeframe breaks
Common Pitfalls:
Not all structure breaks are equal—BOS during ranging markets are less reliable
A BOS immediately followed by a reversal back into the range may indicate a failed breakout
During major news events, structure can be broken temporarily without institutional intent
3. Liquidity Sweep Detection - Spotting Manipulation
What It Is: Liquidity sweeps (also called "stop hunts" or "liquidity grabs") occur when price temporarily breaks beyond a key level to trigger stop losses and pending orders, then immediately reverses back. This is one of the most important concepts in SMC trading because it reveals intentional manipulation.
Why Institutions Do This: Large institutional orders can't be filled at a single price point—they need massive liquidity. The biggest pools of liquidity sit just beyond obvious highs and lows where retail traders place their stops. By briefly pushing price into these zones, institutions:
Trigger retail stop losses (creating market orders)
Activate pending buy/sell orders
Fill their large positions at favorable prices
Trap late breakout traders before reversing
Detection Methodology: The indicator identifies sweeps using multiple criteria:
Price must penetrate beyond the structural high/low (creating the sweep)
The candle must close back on the opposite side of the structure (confirming rejection)
The sweep distance is measured against ATR to distinguish manipulation from normal volatility
The sweep multiplier setting allows you to adjust sensitivity based on market conditions
Visual Indicators:
Orange Down Arrows: Mark liquidity sweeps above structural highs
Lime Up Arrows: Mark liquidity sweeps below structural lows
Liquidity Zone Boxes: Semi-transparent colored boxes highlight the exact range of the swept area
Persistent Display: Zones remain visible for several bars to maintain context
Trading Applications:
Reversal Trading: Liquidity sweeps often mark excellent reversal points. After a sweep:
Wait for the sweep to complete (candle closes back inside structure)
Look for a Change of Character signal for confirmation
Enter in the direction opposite to the sweep
Place stops beyond the sweep high/low
Target the opposite side of the range or next structural level
Continuation Filtering: Not all sweeps lead to reversals. During strong trends:
Sweeps of minor structure in a trending market often precede continuation
Use higher timeframe structure to determine if a sweep is counter-trend (likely reversal) or with-trend (likely continuation)
Entry Refinement: In ranging markets, trade from swept lows to highs and vice versa, as institutions accumulate at the extremes.
Advanced Sweep Analysis:
Double Sweeps: When both sides of a range are swept, expect a strong breakout
Sweep Rejection Quality: Fast, strong rejections of sweeps are more reliable than slow grinding returns
Timeframe Consideration: Daily timeframe sweeps are significantly more important than 15-minute sweeps
Volume Profile: Sweeps with low volume followed by high volume reversals confirm manipulation
What Makes a High-Quality Sweep Signal: ✅ Penetrates structure by at least 0.5-1x ATR
✅ Strong rejection candle (long wick, decisive close)
✅ Occurs at a higher timeframe structural level
✅ Creates a Change of Character on the following move
✅ Sweeps an obvious level where retail stops cluster
4. Change of Character (CHOCH) - Major Reversal Signals
What It Is: A Change of Character represents the most significant shift in market dynamics—when the entire structural bias of the market flips from bullish to bearish or bearish to bullish. CHOCH signals are the crown jewel of SMC trading because they identify the exact moment when institutional positioning fundamentally changes.
The Anatomy of a CHOCH: A valid CHOCH requires a specific sequence:
Established Trend: A clear directional bias with multiple BOS in one direction
Liquidity Engineering: A sweep of structure in the current trend direction (the manipulation phase)
Structural Break: Price then breaks structure in the OPPOSITE direction (the revelation phase)
This combination shows that institutions have:
Completed their accumulation/distribution at favorable prices (via the sweep)
Shifted their positioning from bullish to bearish (or vice versa)
Begun a new directional campaign
Visual Presentation:
Bullish CHOCH (Cyan Triangle Up): Appears when bearish structure is broken after a low sweep, signaling the shift to bullish control
Bearish CHOCH (Red Triangle Down): Appears when bullish structure is broken after a high sweep, signaling the shift to bearish control
Prominent Markers: Larger and more visually distinct than BOS signals, reflecting their importance
Why CHOCH Signals Are So Powerful:
Trend Reversal Identification: They mark the earliest possible confirmation of a trend change
High Win Rate: When combined with proper risk management, CHOCH signals have among the highest success rates in SMC trading
Risk-Reward Ratio: Entering at CHOCH gives you the best possible risk-reward since you're entering at the beginning of a new trend
Institutional Confirmation: The sequence of sweep + structure break proves institutional repositioning, not just retail sentiment
Trading CHOCH Signals:
The Perfect CHOCH Setup:
Identify the Sweep: Watch for a liquidity sweep of structural lows (for bullish) or highs (for bearish)
Wait for the Break: Don't enter on the sweep—wait for structure to break in the opposite direction
CHOCH Confirmation: The indicator fires the CHOCH signal—this is your entry trigger
Entry Execution:
Aggressive: Enter immediately on CHOCH confirmation
Conservative: Wait for a pullback to the first Fair Value Gap or broken structure (now turned support/resistance)
Stop Placement: Beyond the swept liquidity point
Target Selection: Previous swing in the opposite direction, or let it run to the next CHOCH
Multiple Timeframe CHOCH Strategy: The most powerful setups occur when CHOCHs align across timeframes:
Daily CHOCH: Signals major institutional trend change, target 500+ pips (Forex) or significant point moves
4H CHOCH: Confirms daily direction, provides swing trade opportunities
1H CHOCH: Offers precise entry timing within the higher timeframe trend
15M CHOCH: Used for position scaling and intraday management
Example Trade Flow:
Daily Chart: Bullish CHOCH appears after weeks of downtrend
↓
4H Chart: Wait for pullback after the daily CHOCH, then catch the 4H bullish CHOCH
↓
1H Chart: Enter on the 1H bullish CHOCH that aligns with both higher timeframes
↓
Result: You've entered at the beginning of a major trend with multiple confirmations
CHOCH Quality Grading:
A-Grade CHOCH (Highest Probability):
Occurs at major higher timeframe structure
Following a clear liquidity sweep
Volume spike on the structural break
Multiple timeframe alignment
Creates a large Fair Value Gap on the break
B-Grade CHOCH (Good Probability):
Valid sweep and structure break
Single timeframe signal
Moderate volume
Occurs at minor structure
C-Grade CHOCH (Lower Probability):
Choppy, ranging market context
Weak sweep or unclear structure
Counter to higher timeframe trend
Low volume confirmation
Common Mistakes with CHOCH Trading: ❌ Entering on the sweep instead of waiting for the structure break
❌ Ignoring higher timeframe context
❌ Taking every CHOCH regardless of quality
❌ Not waiting for pullbacks on aggressive trends
❌ Placing stops too tight, getting caught in volatility
Advanced CHOCH Concepts:
Failed CHOCH: Occasionally, what appears to be a CHOCH will fail (price reverses back into the previous trend). This often indicates:
Insufficient institutional conviction for the reversal
Fake-out to grab liquidity in the opposite direction
Need to wait for a higher timeframe CHOCH for confirmation
When a CHOCH fails, it often sets up an even stronger continuation of the original trend.
CHOCH vs BOS Decision Matrix:
If in doubt about trend direction → wait for CHOCH
If confident in trend → trade BOS continuations
After a CHOCH → next signals in the new direction are BOS
5. Fair Value Gaps (FVG) - Institutional Retracement Zones
What It Is: Fair Value Gaps represent price imbalances where the market moved so quickly that it left behind inefficient pricing. These gaps form when there's no overlap between the current candle's wick and the candle from two bars ago—a void in the price action that creates a "gap" in the order flow.
The Institutional Logic: When institutions execute large market orders, they can push price rapidly through levels without allowing normal two-way trading. This creates unfilled orders and imbalanced order books. Institutions often return to these gaps to:
Fill additional orders at more favorable prices
Allow the market to "breathe" before the next push
Create support/resistance at the gap for the next move
Restore balance to the order book
FVG Formation Criteria: This indicator uses enhanced FVG detection logic:
Bullish FVG (Upward Gap):
Current candle's low is above the high from 2 candles ago
Creates a visible gap where no trading occurred
Gap size must exceed 30% of ATR (filtering minor gaps)
Typically forms on strong bullish momentum candles
Market moved up so fast it left unfilled sell orders
Bearish FVG (Downward Gap):
Current candle's high is below the low from 2 candles ago
Creates a visible gap where no trading occurred
Gap size must exceed 30% of ATR
Typically forms on strong bearish momentum candles
Market moved down so fast it left unfilled buy orders
Visual Presentation:
Bullish FVG Zones: Semi-transparent cyan boxes extending from gap bottom to top
Bearish FVG Zones: Semi-transparent red boxes extending from gap top to bottom
Dynamic Management: Gaps automatically removed when filled or expired
Clean Display: Only active, unfilled gaps shown to prevent chart clutter
FVG Trading Strategies:
Strategy 1: FVG Retracement Entries After a CHOCH or strong BOS, wait for price to retrace into the FVG for entry:
Identify trend direction via CHOCH or BOS
Locate the nearest FVG in the direction of the trend
Set limit orders within the FVG zone
Stop loss beyond the FVG
Target the next structural level or previous swing
Strategy 2: FVG Breakout Confirmation When price breaks through an FVG without filling it:
Signals extreme institutional urgency
Indicates the move is likely to continue strongly
The unfilled gap becomes a "no-go zone" for counter-trend entries
Strategy 3: Multiple FVG Management When multiple FVGs form in sequence:
The first FVG is most likely to be filled
If price skips the first FVG, it signals exceptional strength
Sequential gaps create a "gap ladder" for scaling into positions
FVG Quality Assessment:
High-Quality FVGs (Best Trading Zones):
Large gap size (1.5x+ ATR)
Formed on high volume impulse moves
Aligned with higher timeframe structure
Created during CHOCH or strong BOS
Positioned between current price and key structure
Low-Quality FVGs (Use Caution):
Small gaps (< 0.5 ATR)
Formed during choppy, ranging conditions
Multiple overlapping gaps in the same area
Counter to higher timeframe trend
Very old gaps (50+ bars ago)
FVG Lifecycle Management:
The indicator intelligently manages FVG zones:
Gap Filling:
Bullish FVG is "filled" when price touches the bottom of the gap
Bearish FVG is "filled" when price touches the top of the gap
Filled gaps are automatically removed from the chart
Partial fills count as complete fills (institutions got their orders)
Gap Expiration:
Gaps older than the extension period (default 10 bars) are removed
This keeps the chart clean and focuses on relevant levels
Adjustable from 5-50 bars based on timeframe and trading style
Gap Priority: When multiple gaps exist, closest gap to current price is most relevant
Advanced FVG Concepts:
Nested FVGs: Sometimes FVGs form within larger FVGs. The smaller, more recent gap typically gets filled first, providing a secondary entry within the larger gap.
FVG Clusters: When 3+ FVGs stack in the same zone, this area becomes a major institutional reaccumulation zone—excellent for swing entries.
Inverted FVGs: Bullish FVGs in downtrends or bearish FVGs in uptrends can act as resistance/support where rallies/dips fail.
FVG + Liquidity Sweep Combination: The ultimate entry setup:
Liquidity sweep occurs
CHOCH confirms reversal
Price retraces into FVG created during the CHOCH move
Enter with exceptional risk-reward ratio
FVG Statistics & Probabilities:
Research on FVG behavior shows:
Approximately 70% of FVGs get filled within 20 bars
FVGs formed during CHOCH have 80%+ fill rate
Larger gaps (2x+ ATR) have lower but higher-quality fill rates
Higher timeframe FVGs are more magnetic than lower timeframe
Timeframe Considerations:
Daily FVGs:
Can remain unfilled for weeks
Major institutional zones
Often mark the absolute best entry prices for swing trades
When filled, usually result in strong reactions
4H FVGs:
Typically fill within 3-7 days
Excellent for swing trading
Balance between frequency and reliability
1H FVGs:
Usually fill within 1-3 days
Good for short-term position trading
More frequent signals
15M FVGs:
Often fill same day
Best used for intraday refinement
Should align with higher timeframe gaps
🔧 Customization & Settings Guide
Structure Detection Settings
Swing Lookback Period (3-50 bars): This is arguably the most important setting as it determines what the indicator considers "structure."
Low Values (3-7):
Identifies minor swings and frequent structure points
More BOS and CHOCH signals
Better for scalping and day trading
Risk: More false signals in choppy markets
Best for: 15M-1H charts, active traders
Medium Values (8-15):
Balanced approach capturing meaningful swings
Default setting works well for most traders
Good signal-to-noise ratio
Best for: 1H-4H charts, swing traders
High Values (16-50):
Only major structural points identified
Fewer but higher-quality signals
Cleaner charts with less noise
Better for trending markets
Best for: 4H-Daily charts, position traders
ATR Period (1-50): Controls how volatility is measured for liquidity sweep detection.
Shorter Periods (7-14):
More responsive to recent volatility changes
Better during high volatility events
May overreact to short-term spikes
Longer Periods (15-30):
Smoother, more stable volatility measurement
Better for swing trading
Reduces sensitivity to short-term noise
Liquidity Sweep Multiplier (0.5-3.0): Determines how far beyond structure price must move to qualify as a sweep.
Low Multiplier (0.5-0.9):
Catches smaller, more frequent sweeps
More signals but lower reliability
Good for scalping or high-frequency trading
Use in ranging markets
Medium Multiplier (1.0-1.5):
Balanced sensitivity
Default 1.2 works for most situations
Good signal quality
High Multiplier (1.6-3.0):
Only major, obvious sweeps detected
Fewer but very high-quality signals
Best for trending markets
Use when you want only the clearest setups
Display Options
Toggle Controls: Each component can be individually enabled/disabled:
Show Market Structure:
Turn off when chart becomes too cluttered
Essential for understanding context, generally keep ON
Disable only when you know structure from higher timeframe
Show Liquidity Zones:
Highlights swept areas with boxes
Can be disabled if you prefer cleaner charts
Keep ON when learning to spot manipulation
Show Break of Structure:
BOS labels can be disabled if trading only reversals
Keep ON for trend following strategies
Show Change of Character:
Core SMC signal, usually keep ON
Only disable if focusing purely on continuation trading
Show Fair Value Gaps:
OFF by default to prevent overwhelming new users
Turn ON once comfortable with basic structure
Can generate many zones on lower timeframes
FVG Extension Period (5-50 bars): Determines how long unfilled gaps remain displayed.
Short Extension (5-10):
Keeps charts very clean
Only shows very recent gaps
Good for day trading
May remove gaps before they fill
Medium Extension (11-25):
Balanced approach
Captures most gap fills
Good for swing trading
Long Extension (26-50):
Shows historical gap context
Better for position trading
Higher timeframe analysis
Can make charts busy on lower timeframes
Color Scheme Customization
Why Colors Matter: Visual clarity is crucial for quick decision-making. The color scheme should:
Clearly distinguish bullish vs bearish elements
Work well with your chart background (dark/light mode)
Be visible but not distracting
Match your personal preference for aesthetics
Default Colors:
Bullish: Cyan (
#00ffff) - visibility and association with "cool" buying
Bearish: Red (
#ff0051) - visibility and universal danger/selling association
FVG Bullish: 85% transparent cyan - visible but not overpowering
FVG Bearish: 85% transparent red - visible but not overpowering
Customization Tips:
Increase transparency if zones overwhelm price action
Use higher contrast colors on light backgrounds
Keep bullish/bearish colors visually distinct
Test colors across different market conditions
Optimization by Market Type
Forex (24-hour markets):
Structure Lookback: 10-15
ATR Period: 14-21
Sweep Multiplier: 1.0-1.5
Best Timeframes: 15M, 1H, 4H
Stocks (Session-based):
Structure Lookback: 8-12
ATR Period: 14
Sweep Multiplier: 1.2-1.8
Best Timeframes: 5M, 15M, 1H, Daily
Note: Gaps at market open/close aren't FVGs
Cryptocurrency (High volatility):
Structure Lookback: 12-20 (filter noise)
ATR Period: 10-14 (responsive to volatility)
Sweep Multiplier: 1.5-2.5 (larger sweeps)
Best Timeframes: 15M, 1H, 4H
Indices (Moderate volatility):
Structure Lookback: 10-15
ATR Period: 14-20
Sweep Multiplier: 1.0-1.5
Best Timeframes: 1H, 4H, Daily
📈 Complete Trading System & Strategies
The Complete SMC Trading Process
Step 1: Higher Timeframe Analysis (Daily/4H) Begin every trading session by analyzing higher timeframes:
Identify the prevailing market structure (bullish or bearish)
Mark key swing highs and lows
Note any recent CHOCHs that signal trend changes
Identify major Fair Value Gaps that could act as targets or entry zones
Determine areas of liquidity (obvious highs/lows where stops cluster)
Step 2: Trading Timeframe Setup (1H/4H) Move to your primary trading timeframe:
Wait for alignment with higher timeframe bias
Look for CHOCH signals if expecting reversal
Look for BOS signals if expecting continuation
Identify liquidity sweeps that create trading opportunities
Note nearby FVGs for entry refinement
Step 3: Entry Timeframe Execution (15M/1H) Use lower timeframe for precise entry:
After higher timeframe signal, wait for lower timeframe confirmation
Enter on FVG fills, structure breaks, or CHOCH signals
Place stop beyond swept liquidity or broken structure
Set targets at next structure level or opposite side of range
Step 4: Management Active trade management increases profitability:
Move stop to breakeven after price moves 1R (risk unit)
Take partial profits at first target (structure level)
Let remainder run to major targets
Trail stop using FVGs or structure breaks in your direction
Exit if a counter-trend CHOCH appears
High-Probability Trading Setups
Setup 1: The Classic CHOCH Reversal
Market Context:
Extended trend in one direction
Price reaching obvious highs/lows where liquidity pools
Setup Requirements:
Liquidity sweep of the high/low
CHOCH signal fires
(Optional) Wait for pullback to FVG
Entry: On CHOCH confirmation or FVG fill
Stop: Beyond swept liquidity
Target: Previous swing in opposite direction
Example (Bullish):
Market in downtrend for 2 weeks
Price sweeps below obvious daily low
Bullish CHOCH fires (breaks previous lower high)
Enter immediately or wait for pullback to bullish FVG
Stop below swept low
Target: Previous lower high, then previous high
Risk-Reward: Typically 1:3 to 1:5+
Setup 2: BOS Continuation with FVG Entry
Market Context:
Established trend with recent CHOCH
Strong momentum in trend direction
Setup Requirements:
Recent CHOCH established trend direction
BOS signal confirms continuation
Wait for pullback into FVG created on the BOS move
Entry: Limit order within FVG zone
Stop: Beyond FVG (invalid if exceeded)
Target: Next structural level
Example (Bearish):
Bearish CHOCH 2 days ago
Price makes BOS breaking new low
Large bearish FVG created during the break
Price retraces into FVG zone
Enter short at FVG fill
Stop above FVG
Target: Next major low or daily FVG below
Risk-Reward: 1:2 to 1:4
Setup 3: Liquidity Sweep Fade
Market Context:
Ranging market between defined highs/lows
Obvious liquidity on both sides of range
Setup Requirements:
Clear range established (minimum 20-30 bars)
Price sweeps one side of range (high or low)
Strong rejection back into range
Entry: After sweep rejection confirmed
Stop: Beyond swept level
Target: Opposite side of range
Example:
Range between 1.0850-1.0920 (EUR/USD)
Price sweeps above 1.0920 to 1.0935
Strong bearish rejection candle back below 1.0920
Enter short at 1.0915
Stop at 1.0940 (above sweep high)
Target: 1.0850 (range low)
Risk-Reward: 1:2.6
Setup 4: Multi-Timeframe CHOCH Alignment
Market Context:
Major trend change occurring
Multiple timeframes showing reversal signals
Setup Requirements:
Daily timeframe shows CHOCH
Wait for 4H CHOCH in same direction
Enter on 1H CHOCH that aligns
Entry: 1H CHOCH confirmation
Stop: Below 4H structure
Target: Daily structural level
Example (Bullish):
Daily bearish trend for months
Daily bullish CHOCH appears
4H shows bullish CHOCH next day
1H bullish CHOCH provides entry
Enter long on 1H signal
Stop: Below 4H swing low
Target: Daily previous high
Risk-Reward: 1:5 to 1:10+
Position: Larger size due to alignment
Setup 5: Failed CHOCH Continuation
Market Context:
Strong trend temporarily looks like reversing
"False" CHOCH creates trap for counter-trend traders
Setup Requirements:
Apparent CHOCH against main trend
Price fails to follow through
Original trend resumes with strong BOS
Entry: On BOS in original trend direction
Stop: Recent swing
Target: Extension of original trend
Example:
Strong daily uptrend
Bearish CHOCH appears (potential reversal)
Price consolidates but doesn't follow through down
Bullish BOS breaks above recent consolidation
Enter long on BOS
Stop: Below failed CHOCH low
Target: New high extension
Risk-Reward: 1:3 to 1:6
Note: Failed reversals often lead to explosive continuations
Risk Management Framework
Position Sizing: Never risk more than 1-2% of account per trade, even on A+ setups.
Risk Calculation:
Position Size = (Account Size × Risk %) / (Entry - Stop Loss in pips/points)
Example:
Account: $10,000
Risk: 1% = $100
Entry: 1.0900
Stop: 1.0870 (30 pips)
Position Size: $100 / 30 pips = $3.33 per pip
Lot Size (Forex): 0.33 lots
Stop Loss Placement:
For CHOCH Reversals:
Place stop 5-10 pips beyond swept liquidity
Gives room for volatility while protecting capital
If swept liquidity is violated, setup is invalidated
For BOS Continuations:
Place stop beyond the FVG or structure that provided entry
Typically tighter stops (closer to entry)
Can trail stop to breakeven quickly
For Range Trading:
Stop beyond the swept level
Generally tight stops work well in ranges
Exit quickly if range boundaries break
Take Profit Strategy:
Scaling Out Method (Recommended):
First Target (50% of position): First structural level (1:1 to 1:2)
Second Target (30% of position): Major structure (1:3 to 1:5)
Trail Stop (20% of position): Let run to full extension
Full Exit Method:
Hold entire position to predetermined target
Requires more discipline
Higher reward but also higher risk of giveback
Trade Management Rules:
Breakeven Rule: Move stop to breakeven after 1R profit
Partial Profit Rule: Take partials at structure levels
Trailing Rule: Trail stop
[TehThomas] - Aligned Timeframe Liquidity Sweeps█ OVERVIEW
The Liquidity Sweeps ICT MTF indicator automatically detects and visualizes buyside and sellside liquidity levels based on higher timeframe (HTF) swing points. Designed specifically for traders using Smart Money Concepts and ICT (Inner Circle Trader) methodology, this tool helps identify where institutional players are likely hunting liquidity before making directional moves.
█ KEY FEATURES
✓ Automatic ICT-Aligned Timeframe Selection
• Intelligently selects the higher timeframe based on your current chart
• Follows ICT's recommended correlations (5min→1h, 15min→4h, 1h→Daily, etc.)
• No manual timeframe selection needed - adapts automatically
✓ Precise Liquidity Level Placement
• Lines start exactly at the LTF candle that created the HTF swing point
• Searches backwards through historical data to find exact placement
• Eliminates guesswork about where institutional orders cluster
✓ Real-Time Sweep Detection
• Solid lines indicate untouched liquidity (active levels)
• Lines automatically turn dotted when price sweeps through them
• Swept lines stop at the exact bar of the sweep (clean visualization)
• Both wicks and candle bodies trigger sweep detection
✓ Fully Customizable Per Timeframe
• Individual swing detection settings for each HTF (1m, 15m, 1h, 4h, D, W, M)
• Adjust sensitivity to show major levels only or capture granular liquidity pools
• Customizable colors and line width
• Organized settings groups for easy navigation
█ HOW IT WORKS
The indicator identifies swing highs and swing lows on a higher timeframe using pivot point detection. These swing points represent areas where stop-loss orders from retail traders concentrate, creating "liquidity pools" that smart money targets.
Timeframe Alignment (Automatic):
• 15s chart → 1min HTF
• 1min chart → 15min HTF
• 5min chart → 1hour HTF
• 15min chart → 4hour HTF
• 1hour chart → Daily HTF
• 4hour chart → Weekly HTF
• Daily chart → Monthly HTF
Swing Detection:
The indicator uses customizable left/right bar counts to identify valid swing points on the HTF. Default values are optimized per timeframe (e.g., 10 bars for 1h, 5 bars for Daily), but can be adjusted to your preference.
Visualization:
• Green lines = Buyside liquidity (swing highs where long stops sit)
• Red lines = Sellside liquidity (swing lows where short stops sit)
• Solid style = Untouched liquidity
• Dotted style = Swept liquidity
█ SETTINGS
Swing Detection Group:
• Swing Bars - 1 Minute: Default 5 bars
• Swing Bars - 15 Minutes: Default 8 bars
• Swing Bars - 1 Hour: Default 10 bars
• Swing Bars - 4 Hours: Default 6 bars
• Swing Bars - Daily: Default 5 bars
• Swing Bars - Weekly: Default 3 bars
• Swing Bars - Monthly: Default 2 bars
Tip: Increase values for cleaner charts with major levels only. Decrease for more sensitive detection.
Display Group:
• Buyside Liquidity Color: Default green
• Sellside Liquidity Color: Default red
• Line Width: Adjustable 1-5
█ HOW TO USE
Reading the liquidity levels:
🟢 Green solid line = Untouched buyside liquidity (potential magnet for price)
🔴 Red solid line = Untouched sellside liquidity (potential magnet for price)
🟢 Green dotted line = Swept buyside liquidity (bulls trapped)
🔴 Red dotted line = Swept sellside liquidity (bears trapped)
Trading Applications:
1. Liquidity Grab Reversals: Watch for sweeps followed by immediate reversals
2. Stop Hunt Detection: Multiple sweeps often precede strong counter-moves
3. Target Identification: Use untouched levels as potential price magnets
4. Market Structure Analysis: Understand institutional order flow
5. Confluence Zones: Combine with order blocks, FVGs, or other ICT concepts
Best Practices:
• Focus on liquid markets (major FX pairs, indices, large-cap stocks)
• Consider higher timeframe trend - sweeps against trend are higher probability
• Look for liquidity clusters (multiple levels close together)
• Wait for confirmation after sweeps before entering
• Not all sweeps result in reversals - context matters
█ TRADING STRATEGY EXAMPLES
Liquidity Sweep Reversal:
1. Identify untouched liquidity level
2. Wait for price to sweep through (line turns dotted)
3. Look for reversal price action (engulfing, rejection)
4. Enter in reversal direction with stop beyond the sweep
5. Target next liquidity level or structure
Liquidity-to-Liquidity:
1. Price sweeps sellside liquidity (red dotted)
2. Enter long positions
3. Target buyside liquidity above (green solid)
4. Exit when buyside liquidity is swept
█ IDEAL FOR
• ICT Methodology Traders
• Smart Money Concept Practitioners
• Liquidity-Based Strategies
• Multi-Timeframe Analysis
• Price Action Traders
• Stop Hunt Avoidance
█ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
• Maximum Lines: 500
• Lookback Range: Up to 1000 bars for precise placement
• Compatible: All markets and timeframes
• Data: Works on both real-time and historical bars
█ NOTES & DISCLAIMERS
• This indicator is a tool for analysis, not a standalone trading system
• Always use proper risk management and combine with other analysis
• Performance may vary across different markets and conditions
• Based on ICT concepts - familiarity with Smart Money trading is recommended
█ LIQUIDITY FOR SINGLETIMEFRAMES
If you prefer normal liquidity lines you can use my other free liquidity indicator
Relative Strength Index SmoothedDefinition
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a well versed momentum based oscillator which is used to measure the speed (velocity) as well as the change (magnitude) of directional price movements. Essentially RSI, when graphed, provides a visual mean to monitor both the current, as well as historical, strength and weakness of a particular market. The strength or weakness is based on closing prices over the duration of a specified trading period creating a reliable metric of price and momentum changes. Given the popularity of cash settled instruments (stock indexes) and leveraged financial products (the entire field of derivatives); RSI has proven to be a viable indicator of price movements.
History
J.Welles Wilder Jr. is the creator of the Relative Strength Index. A former Navy mechanic, Wilder would later go on to a career as a mechanical engineer. After a few years of trading commodities, Wilder focused his efforts on the study of technical analysis. In 1978 he published New Concepts in Technical Trading Systems. This work featured the debut of his new momentum oscillator, the Relative Strength Index, better known as RSI.
Over the years, RSI has remained quite popular and is now seen as one of the core, essential tools used by technical analysts the world over. Some practitioners of RSI have gone on to further build upon the work of Wilder. One rather notable example is Andrew Cardwell who used RSI for trend confirmation.
Calculation
RSI = 100 – 100/ (1 + RS)
RS = Average Gain of n days UP / Average Loss of n days DOWN
For a practical example, the built-in Pine Script function rsi(), could be replicated in long form as follows.
change = change(close)
gain = change >= 0 ? change : 0.0
loss = change < 0 ? (-1) * change : 0.0
avgGain = rma(gain, 14)
avgLoss = rma(loss, 14)
rs = avgGain / avgLoss
rsi = 100 - (100 / (1 + rs))
"rsi", above, is exactly equal to rsi(close, 14).
The basics
As previously mentioned, RSI is a momentum based oscillator. What this means is that as an oscillator, this indicator operates within a band or a set range of numbers or parameters. Specifically, RSI operates between a scale of 0 and 100. The closer RSI is to 0, the weaker the momentum is for price movements. The opposite is also true. An RSI closer to 100 indicates a period of stronger momentum.
- 14 days is likely the most popular period, however traders have been known to use a wide variety of numbers of days.
What to look for
Overbought/Oversold
Wilder believed that when prices rose very rapidly and therefore momentum was high enough, that the underlying financial instrument/commodity would have to eventually be considered overbought and a selling opportunity was possibly at hand. Likewise, when prices dropped rapidly and therefore momentum was low enough, the financial instrument would at some point be considered oversold presenting a possible buying opportunity.
There are set number ranges within RSI that Wilder consider useful and noteworthy in this regard. According to Wilder, any number above 70 should be considered overbought and any number below 30 should be considered oversold.
An RSI between 30 and 70 was to be considered neutral and an RSI around 50 signified “no trend”.
Some traders believe that Wilder’s overbought/oversold ranges are too wide and choose to alter those ranges. For example, someone might consider any number above 80 as overbought and anything below 20 as oversold. This is entirely at the trader’s discretion.
Divergence
RSI Divergence occurs when there is a difference between what the price action is indicating and what RSI is indicating. These differences can be interpreted as an impending reversal. Specifically there are two types of divergences, bearish and bullish.
Bullish RSI Divergence – When price makes a new low but RSI makes a higher low.
Bearish RSI Divergence – When price makes a new high but RSI makes a lower high.
Wilder believed that Bearish Divergence creates a selling opportunity while Bullish Divergence creates a buying opportunity.
Failure Swings
Failure swings are another occurrence which Wilder believed increased the likelihood of a price reversal. One thing to keep in mind about failure swings is that they are completely independent of price and rely solely on RSI. Failure swings consist of four “steps” and are considered to be either Bullish (buying opportunity) or Bearish (selling opportunity).
Bullish Failure Swing
RSI drops below 30 (considered oversold).
RSI bounces back above 30.
RSI pulls back but remains above 30 (remains above oversold)
RSI breaks out above its previous high.
Bearish Failure Swing
RSI rises above 70 (considered overbought)
RSI drops back below 70
RSI rises slightly but remains below 70 (remains below overbought)
RSI drops lower than its previous low.
Cardwell’s trend confirmations
Of course no one indicator is a magic bullet and almost nothing can be taken simply at face value. Andrew Cardwell, who was mentioned earlier, was one of those students who took Wilder’s RSI interpretations and built upon them. Cardwell’s work with RSI led to RSI being a great tool not just for anticipating reversals but also for confirming trends.
Uptrends/Downtrends
Cardwell made keen observations while studying Wilder’s ideas of divergence. Cardwell believed that:
Bullish Divergence only occurs in a Bearish Trend.
Bearish Divergence only occurs in an Bullish Trend.
Both Bullish and Bearish Divergence usually cause a brief price correction and not an actual trend reversal.
What this means is that essentially Divergence should be used as a way to confirm trends and not necessarily anticipate reversals.
Reversals
Cardwell also discovered what are referred to as Positive and Negative Reversals. Positive and Negative Reversals are basically the opposite of Divergence.
Positive Reversal occurs when price makes a higher low while RSI makes a lower low. Price proceeds to rise. Positive Reversals only occur in Bullish Trends.
Negative Reversal occurs when price makes a lower high while RSI makes a higher high. Price proceeds to fall. Negative Reversals only occur in Bearish Trends.
Positive and Negative Reversals can be boiled down to cases where price outperformed momentum. And because Positive and Negative Reversals only occur in their specified trends, they can be used as yet another tool for trend confirmation.
Summary
For more than four decades the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has been an extremely valuable tool for almost any serious technical analyst. Wilder’s work with momentum laid the groundwork for future chartists and analysts to dive in deeper to further explore the implications of his RSI modeling and its correlation with underlying price movements. As such, RSI is simply one of the best tools or indicators in a trader’s arsenal of market metrics to develop most any trading methodology. Only the novice will take one look at RSI and assume which direction the market will be heading next based off of one number. Wilder believed that a bullish divergence was a sign that the market would soon be on the rise, while Cardwell believed that such a divergence was merely a slight price correction on the continued road of a downward trend. As with any indicator, a trader should take the time to research and experiment with the indicator before relying on it as a sole source of information for any trading decision. When used in proper its perspective, RSI has proven to be a core indicator and reliable metric of price, velocity and depth of market.
Malama's Range BreakoutMalama's Range Breakout is a dynamic indicator designed to automatically detect periods of price consolidation (tight ranges) and generate actionable signals for breakouts or wick-based reversals.
Why It's Useful: Unlike fixed-time tools like Opening Range Breakouts (ORB), this indicator is Adaptive. It uses a volatility-adjusted threshold (ATR multiplier) to determine when a market is truly consolidating. This helps traders avoid false signals in choppy markets and focus on periods where volatility is compressing.
Key Features:
Adaptive Detection: Uses ATR over a user-defined lookback to find tight ranges automatically.
Preset Profiles: Quickly switch between optimized settings for:
Scalping: (Tight Ranges)
Intraday: (Normal Ranges)
Swing Trading: (Loose Ranges)
Options/Chop: (Extreme sideways movement)
Breakout Signals: Triggers "BUY/SELL" labels when price closes outside the box. Includes an optional Volume Filter to ignore low-momentum breakouts.
Wick Reversals: Detects "Fake-outs" where wicks probe the range boundary but fail to close outside, signaling a potential reversal back into the range.
How to Use:
Select a Profile: Choose "Normal" for standard day trading or "Tight" for scalping.
Wait for the Box: The indicator will draw an orange box when price consolidates.
Trade the Break: Wait for a confirmed close outside the box (Look for the "Malama BUY/SELL" label).
Watch for Rejection: If you see a "Wick" label, it means the breakout failed—be cautious or trade the reversal.
Settings:
Profile: Select your trading style (Scalping, Intraday, Swing).
Volume Filter: Require a volume spike to confirm breakouts (Recommended).
Wick Confirmation: Require a confirmation candle before signaling a wick reversal.
COT IndexTHE HIDDEN INTELLIGENCE IN FUTURES MARKETS
What if you could see what the smartest players in the futures markets are doing before the crowd catches on? While retail traders chase momentum indicators and moving averages, obsess over Japanese candlestick patterns, and debate whether the RSI should be set to fourteen or twenty-one periods, institutional players leave footprints in the sand through their mandatory reporting to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These footprints, published weekly in the Commitment of Traders reports, have been hiding in plain sight for decades, available to anyone with an internet connection, yet remarkably few traders understand how to interpret them correctly. The COT Index indicator transforms this raw institutional positioning data into actionable trading signals, bringing Wall Street intelligence to your trading screen without requiring expensive Bloomberg terminals or insider connections.
The uncomfortable truth is this: Most retail traders operate in a binary world. Long or short. Buy or sell. They apply technical analysis to individual positions, constrained by limited capital that forces them to concentrate risk in single directional bets. Meanwhile, institutional traders operate in an entirely different dimension. They manage portfolios dynamically weighted across multiple markets, adjusting exposure based on evolving market conditions, correlation shifts, and risk assessments that retail traders never see. A hedge fund might be simultaneously long gold, short oil, neutral on copper, and overweight agricultural commodities, with position sizes calibrated to volatility and portfolio Greeks. When they increase gold exposure from five percent to eight percent of portfolio allocation, this rebalancing decision reflects sophisticated analysis of opportunity cost, risk parity, and cross-market dynamics that no individual chart pattern can capture.
This portfolio reweighting activity, multiplied across hundreds of institutional participants, manifests in the aggregate positioning data published weekly by the CFTC. The Commitment of Traders report does not show individual trades or strategies. It shows the collective footprint of how actual commercial hedgers and large speculators have allocated their capital across different markets. When mining companies collectively increase forward gold sales to hedge thirty percent more production than last quarter, they are not reacting to a moving average crossover. They are making strategic allocation decisions based on production forecasts, cost structures, and price expectations derived from operational realities invisible to outside observers. This is portfolio management in action, revealed through positioning data rather than price charts.
If you want to understand how institutional capital actually flows, how sophisticated traders genuinely position themselves across market cycles, the COT report provides a rare window into that hidden world. But understand what you are getting into. This is not a tool for scalpers seeking confirmation of the next five-minute move. This is not an oscillator that flashes oversold at market bottoms with convenient precision. COT analysis operates on a timescale measured in weeks and months, revealing positioning shifts that precede major market turns but offer no precision timing. The data arrives three days stale, published only once per week, capturing strategic positioning rather than tactical entries.
If you need instant gratification, if you trade intraday moves, if you demand mechanical signals with ninety percent accuracy, close this document now. COT analysis rewards patience, position sizing discipline, and tolerance for being early. It punishes impatience, overleveraging, and the expectation that any single indicator can substitute for market understanding.
The premise is deceptively simple. Every Tuesday, large traders in futures markets must report their positions to the CFTC. By Friday afternoon, this data becomes public. Academic research spanning three decades has consistently shown that not all market participants are created equal. Some traders consistently profit while others consistently lose. Some anticipate major turning points while others chase trends into exhaustion. Bessembinder and Chan (1992) demonstrated in their seminal study that commercial hedgers, those with actual exposure to the underlying commodity or financial instrument, possess superior forecasting ability compared to speculators. Their research, published in the Journal of Finance, found statistically significant predictive power in commercial positioning, particularly at extreme levels. This finding challenged the efficient market hypothesis and opened the door to a new approach to market analysis based on positioning rather than price alone.
Think about what this means. Every week, the government publishes a report showing you exactly how the most informed market participants are positioned. Not their opinions. Not their predictions. Their actual money at risk. When agricultural producers collectively hold their largest short hedge in five years, they are not making idle speculation. They are locking in prices for crops they will harvest, informed by private knowledge of weather conditions, soil quality, inventory levels, and demand expectations invisible to outside observers. When energy companies aggressively hedge forward production at current prices, they reveal information about expected supply that no analyst report can capture. This is not technical analysis based on past prices. This is not fundamental analysis based on publicly available data. This is behavioral analysis based on how the smartest money is actually positioned, how institutions allocate capital across portfolios, and how those allocation decisions shift as market conditions evolve.
WHY SOME TRADERS KNOW MORE THAN OTHERS
Building on this foundation, Sanders, Boris and Manfredo (2004) conducted extensive research examining the behaviour patterns of different trader categories. Their work, which analyzed over a decade of COT data across multiple commodity markets, revealed a fascinating dynamic that challenges much of what retail traders are taught. Commercial hedgers consistently positioned themselves against market extremes, buying when speculators were most bearish and selling when speculators reached peak bullishness. The contrarian positioning of commercials was not random noise but rather reflected their superior information about supply and demand fundamentals. Meanwhile, large speculators, primarily hedge funds and commodity trading advisors, exhibited strong trend-following behaviour that often amplified market moves beyond fundamental values. Small traders, the retail participants, consistently entered positions late in trends, frequently near turning points, making them reliable contrary indicators.
Wang (2003) extended this research by demonstrating that the predictive power of commercial positioning varies significantly across different commodity sectors. His analysis of agricultural commodities showed particularly strong forecasting ability, with commercial net positions explaining up to fifteen percent of return variance in subsequent weeks. This finding suggests that the informational advantages of hedgers are most pronounced in markets where physical supply and demand fundamentals dominate, as opposed to purely financial markets where information asymmetries are smaller. When a corn farmer hedges six months of expected harvest, that decision incorporates private observations about rainfall patterns, crop health, pest pressure, and local storage capacity that no distant analyst can match. When an oil refinery hedges crude oil purchases and gasoline sales simultaneously, the spread relationships reveal expectations about refining margins that reflect operational realities invisible in public data.
The theoretical mechanism underlying these empirical patterns relates to information asymmetry and different participant motivations. Commercial hedgers engage in futures markets not for speculative profit but to manage business risks. An agricultural producer selling forward six months of expected harvest is not making a bet on price direction but rather locking in revenue to facilitate financial planning and ensure business viability. However, this hedging activity necessarily incorporates private information about expected supply, inventory levels, weather conditions, and demand trends that the hedger observes through their commercial operations (Irwin and Sanders, 2012). When aggregated across many participants, this private information manifests in collective positioning.
Consider a gold mining company deciding how much forward production to hedge. Management must estimate ore grades, recovery rates, production costs, equipment reliability, labor availability, and dozens of other operational variables that determine whether locking in prices at current levels makes business sense. If the industry collectively hedges more aggressively than usual, it suggests either exceptional production expectations or concern about sustaining current price levels or combination of both. Either way, this positioning reveals information unavailable to speculators analyzing price charts and economic data. The hedger sees the physical reality behind the financial abstraction.
Large speculators operate under entirely different incentives and constraints. Commodity Trading Advisors managing billions in assets typically employ systematic, trend-following strategies that respond to price momentum rather than fundamental supply and demand. When crude oil rallies from sixty dollars to seventy dollars per barrel, these systems generate buy signals. As the rally continues to eighty dollars, position sizes increase. The strategy works brilliantly during sustained trends but becomes a liability at reversals. By the time oil reaches ninety dollars, trend-following funds are maximally long, having accumulated positions progressively throughout the rally. At this point, they represent not smart money anticipating further gains but rather crowded money vulnerable to reversal. Sanders, Boris and Manfredo (2004) documented this pattern across multiple energy markets, showing that extreme speculator positioning typically marked late-stage trend exhaustion rather than early-stage trend development.
Small traders, the retail participants who fall below reporting thresholds, display the weakest forecasting ability. Wang (2003) found that small trader positioning exhibited negative correlation with subsequent returns, meaning their aggregate positioning served as a reliable contrary indicator. The explanation combines several factors. Retail traders often lack the capital reserves to weather normal market volatility, leading to premature exits from positions that would eventually prove profitable. They tend to receive information through slower channels, entering trends after mainstream media coverage when institutional participants are preparing to exit. Perhaps most importantly, they trade with emotion, buying into euphoria and selling into panic at precisely the wrong times.
At major turning points, the three groups often position opposite each other with commercials extremely bearish, large speculators extremely bullish, and small traders piling into longs at the last moment. These high-divergence environments frequently precede increased volatility and trend reversals. The insiders with business exposure quietly exit as the momentum traders hit maximum capacity and retail enthusiasm peaks. Within weeks, the reversal begins, and positions unwind in the opposite sequence.
FROM RAW DATA TO ACTIONABLE SIGNALS
The COT Index indicator operationalizes these academic findings into a practical trading tool accessible through TradingView. At its core, the indicator normalizes net positioning data onto a zero to one hundred scale, creating what we call the COT Index. This normalization is critical because absolute position sizes vary dramatically across different futures contracts and over time. A commercial trader holding fifty thousand contracts net long in crude oil might be extremely bullish by historical standards, or it might be quite neutral depending on the context of total market size and historical ranges. Raw position numbers mean nothing without context. The COT Index solves this problem by calculating where current positioning stands relative to its range over a specified lookback period, typically two hundred fifty-two weeks or approximately five years of weekly data.
The mathematical transformation follows the methodology originally popularized by legendary trader Larry Williams, though the underlying concept appears in statistical normalization techniques across many fields. For any given trader category, we calculate the highest and lowest net position values over the lookback period, establishing the historical range for that specific market and trader group. Current positioning is then expressed as a percentage of this range, where zero represents the most bearish positioning ever seen in the lookback window and one hundred represents the most bullish extreme. A reading of fifty indicates positioning exactly in the middle of the historical range, suggesting neither extreme optimism nor pessimism relative to recent history (Williams and Noseworthy, 2009).
This index-based approach allows for meaningful comparison across different markets and time periods, overcoming the scaling problems inherent in analyzing raw position data. A commercial index reading of eighty-five in gold carries the same interpretive meaning as an eighty-five reading in wheat or crude oil, even though the absolute position sizes differ by orders of magnitude. This standardization enables systematic analysis across entire futures portfolios rather than requiring market-specific expertise for each contract.
The lookback period selection involves a fundamental tradeoff between responsiveness and stability. Shorter lookback periods, perhaps one hundred twenty-six weeks or approximately two and a half years, make the index more sensitive to recent positioning changes. However, it also increases noise and produces more false signals. Longer lookback periods, perhaps five hundred weeks or approximately ten years, create smoother readings that filter short-term noise but become slower to recognize regime changes. The indicator settings allow users to adjust this parameter based on their trading timeframe, risk tolerance, and market characteristics.
UNDERSTANDING CFTC DATA STRUCTURES
The indicator supports both Legacy and Disaggregated COT report formats, reflecting the evolution of CFTC reporting standards over decades of market development. Legacy reports categorize market participants into three broad groups: commercial traders (hedgers with underlying business exposure), non-commercial traders (large speculators seeking profit without commercial interest), and non-reportable traders (small speculators below reporting thresholds). Each category brings distinct motivations and information advantages to the market (CFTC, 2020).
The Disaggregated reports, introduced in September 2009 for physical commodity markets, provide finer granularity by splitting participants into five categories (CFTC, 2009). Producer and merchant positions capture those actually producing, processing, or merchandising the physical commodity. Swap dealers represent financial intermediaries facilitating derivative transactions for clients. Managed money includes commodity trading advisors and hedge funds executing systematic or discretionary strategies. Other reportables encompasses diverse participants not fitting the main categories. Small traders remain as the fifth group, representing retail participation.
This enhanced categorization reveals nuances invisible in Legacy reports, particularly distinguishing between different types of institutional capital and their distinct behavioural patterns. The indicator automatically detects which report type is appropriate for each futures contract and adjusts the display accordingly.
Importantly, Disaggregated reports exist only for physical commodity futures. Agricultural commodities like corn, wheat, and soybeans have Disaggregated reports because clear producer, merchant, and swap dealer categories exist. Energy commodities like crude oil and natural gas similarly have well-defined commercial hedger categories. Metals including gold, silver, and copper also receive Disaggregated treatment (CFTC, 2009). However, financial futures such as equity index futures, Treasury bond futures, and currency futures remain available only in Legacy format. The CFTC has indicated no plans to extend Disaggregated reporting to financial futures due to different market structures and participant categories in these instruments (CFTC, 2020).
THE BEHAVIORAL FOUNDATION
Understanding which trader perspective to follow requires appreciation of their distinct trading styles, success rates, and psychological profiles. Commercial hedgers exhibit anticyclical behaviour rooted in their fundamental knowledge and business imperatives. When agricultural producers hedge forward sales during harvest season, they are not speculating on price direction but rather locking in revenue for crops they will harvest. Their business requires converting volatile commodity exposure into predictable cash flows to facilitate planning and ensure survival through difficult periods. Yet their aggregate positioning reveals valuable information because these hedging decisions incorporate private information about supply conditions, inventory levels, weather observations, and demand expectations that hedgers observe through their commercial operations (Bessembinder and Chan, 1992).
Consider a practical example from energy markets. Major oil companies continuously hedge portions of forward production based on price levels, operational costs, and financial planning needs. When crude oil trades at ninety dollars per barrel, they might aggressively hedge the next twelve months of production, locking in prices that provide comfortable profit margins above their extraction costs. This hedging appears as short positioning in COT reports. If oil rallies further to one hundred dollars, they hedge even more aggressively, viewing these prices as exceptional opportunities to secure revenue. Their short positioning grows increasingly extreme. To an outside observer watching only price charts, the rally suggests bullishness. But the commercial positioning reveals that the actual producers of oil find these prices attractive enough to lock in years of sales, suggesting skepticism about sustaining even higher levels. When the eventual reversal occurs and oil declines back to eighty dollars, the commercials who hedged at ninety and one hundred dollars profit while speculators who chased the rally suffer losses.
Large speculators or managed money traders operate under entirely different incentives and constraints. Their systematic, momentum-driven strategies mean they amplify existing trends rather than anticipate reversals. Trend-following systems, the most common approach among large speculators, by definition require confirmation of trend through price momentum before entering positions (Sanders, Boris and Manfredo, 2004). When crude oil rallies from sixty dollars to eighty dollars per barrel over several months, trend-following algorithms generate buy signals based on moving average crossovers, breakouts, and other momentum indicators. As the rally continues, position sizes increase according to the systematic rules.
However, this approach becomes a liability at turning points. By the time oil reaches ninety dollars after a sustained rally, trend-following funds are maximally long, having accumulated positions progressively throughout the move. At this point, their positioning does not predict continued strength. Rather, it often marks late-stage trend exhaustion. The psychological and mechanical explanation is straightforward. Trend followers by definition chase price momentum, entering positions after trends establish rather than anticipating them. Eventually, they become fully invested just as the trend nears completion, leaving no incremental buying power to sustain the rally. When the first signs of reversal appear, systematic stops trigger, creating a cascade of selling that accelerates the downturn.
Small traders consistently display the weakest track record across academic studies. Wang (2003) found that small trader positioning exhibited negative correlation with subsequent returns in his analysis across multiple commodity markets. This result means that whatever small traders collectively do, the opposite typically proves profitable. The explanation for small trader underperformance combines several factors documented in behavioral finance literature. Retail traders often lack the capital reserves to weather normal market volatility, leading to premature exits from positions that would eventually prove profitable. They tend to receive information through slower channels, learning about commodity trends through mainstream media coverage that arrives after institutional participants have already positioned. Perhaps most importantly, retail traders are more susceptible to emotional decision-making, buying into euphoria and selling into panic at precisely the wrong times (Tharp, 2008).
SETTINGS, THRESHOLDS, AND SIGNAL GENERATION
The practical implementation of the COT Index requires understanding several key features and settings that users can adjust to match their trading style, timeframe, and risk tolerance. The lookback period determines the time window for calculating historical ranges. The default setting of two hundred fifty-two bars represents approximately one year on daily charts or five years on weekly charts, balancing responsiveness with stability. Conservative traders seeking only the most extreme, highest-probability signals might extend the lookback to five hundred bars or more. Aggressive traders seeking earlier entry and willing to accept more false positives might reduce it to one hundred twenty-six bars or even less for shorter-term applications.
The bullish and bearish thresholds define signal generation levels. Default settings of eighty and twenty respectively reflect academic research suggesting meaningful information content at these extremes. Readings above eighty indicate positioning in the top quintile of the historical range, representing genuine extremes rather than temporary fluctuations. Conversely, readings below twenty occupy the bottom quintile, indicating unusually bearish positioning (Briese, 2008).
However, traders must recognize that appropriate thresholds vary by market, trader category, and personal risk tolerance. Some futures markets exhibit wider positioning swings than others due to seasonal patterns, volatility characteristics, or participant behavior. Conservative traders seeking high-probability setups with fewer signals might raise thresholds to eighty-five and fifteen. Aggressive traders willing to accept more false positives for earlier entry could lower them to seventy-five and twenty-five.
The key is maintaining meaningful differentiation between bullish, neutral, and bearish zones. The default settings of eighty and twenty create a clear three-zone structure. Readings from zero to twenty represent bearish territory where the selected trader group holds unusually bearish positions. Readings from twenty to eighty represent neutral territory where positioning falls within normal historical ranges. Readings from eighty to one hundred represent bullish territory where the selected trader group holds unusually bullish positions.
The trading perspective selection determines which participant group the indicator follows, fundamentally shaping interpretation and signal meaning. For counter-trend traders seeking reversal opportunities, monitoring commercial positioning makes intuitive sense based on the academic research discussed earlier. When commercials reach extreme bearish readings below twenty, indicating unprecedented short positioning relative to recent history, they are effectively betting against the crowd. Given their informational advantages demonstrated by Bessembinder and Chan (1992), this contrarian stance often precedes major bottoms.
Trend followers might instead monitor large speculator positioning, but with inverted logic compared to commercials. When managed money reaches extreme bullish readings above eighty, the trend may be exhausting rather than accelerating. This seeming paradox reflects their late-cycle participation documented by Sanders, Boris and Manfredo (2004). Sophisticated traders thus use speculator extremes as fade signals, entering positions opposite to speculator consensus.
Small trader monitoring serves primarily as a contrary indicator for all trading styles. Extreme small trader bullishness above seventy-five or eighty typically warns of retail FOMO at market tops. Extreme small trader bearishness below twenty or twenty-five often marks capitulation bottoms where the last weak hands have sold.
VISUALIZATION AND USER INTERFACE
The visual design incorporates multiple elements working together to facilitate decision-making and maintain situational awareness during active trading. The primary COT Index line plots in bold with adjustable line width, defaulting to two pixels for clear visibility against busy price charts. An optional glow effect, controlled by a simple toggle, adds additional visual prominence through multiple plot layers with progressively increasing transparency and width.
A twenty-one period exponential moving average overlays the index line, providing trend context for positioning changes. When the index crosses above its moving average, it signals accelerating bullish sentiment among the selected trader group regardless of whether absolute positioning is extreme. Conversely, when the index crosses below its moving average, it signals deteriorating sentiment and potentially the beginning of a reversal in positioning trends.
The EMA provides a dynamic reference line for assessing positioning momentum. When the index trades far above its EMA, positioning is not only extreme in absolute terms but also building with momentum. When the index trades far below its EMA, positioning is contracting or reversing, which may indicate weakening conviction even if absolute levels remain elevated.
The data table positioned at the top right of the chart displays eleven metrics for each trader category, transforming the indicator from a simple index calculation into an analytical dashboard providing multidimensional market intelligence. Beyond the COT Index itself, users can monitor positioning extremity, which measures how unusual current levels are compared to historical norms using statistical techniques. The extremity metric clarifies whether a reading represents the ninety-fifth or ninety-ninth percentile, with values above two standard deviations indicating genuinely exceptional positioning.
Market power quantifies each group's influence on total open interest. This metric expresses each trader category's net position as a percentage of total market open interest. A commercial entity holding forty percent of total open interest commands significantly more influence than one holding five percent, making their positioning signals more meaningful.
Momentum and rate of change metrics reveal whether positions are building or contracting, providing early warning of potential regime shifts. Position velocity measures the rate of change in positioning changes, effectively a second derivative providing even earlier insight into inflection points.
Sentiment divergence highlights disagreements between commercial and speculative positioning. This metric calculates the absolute difference between normalized commercial and large speculator index values. Wang (2003) found that these high-divergence environments frequently preceded increased volatility and reversals.
The table also displays concentration metrics when available, showing how positioning is distributed among the largest handful of traders in each category. High concentration indicates a few dominant players controlling most of the positioning, while low concentration suggests broad-based participation across many traders.
THE ALERT SYSTEM AND MONITORING
The alert system, comprising five distinct alert conditions, enables systematic monitoring of dozens of futures markets without constant screen watching. The bullish and bearish COT signal alerts trigger when the index crosses user-defined thresholds, indicating the selected trader group has reached extreme positioning worthy of attention. These alerts fire in real-time as new weekly COT data publishes, typically Friday afternoon following the Tuesday measurement date.
Extreme positioning alerts fire at ninety and ten index levels, representing the top and bottom ten percent of the historical range, warning of particularly stretched readings that historically precede reversals with high probability. When commercials reach a COT Index reading below ten, they are expressing their most bearish stance in the entire lookback period.
The data staleness alert notifies users when COT reports have not updated for more than ten days, preventing reliance on outdated information for trading decisions. Government shutdowns or federal holidays can interrupt the normal Friday publication schedule. Using stale signals while believing them current creates dangerous false confidence.
The indicator's watermark information display positioned in the bottom right corner provides essential context at a glance. This persistent display shows the symbol and timeframe, the COT report date timestamp, days since last update, and the current signal state. A trader analyzing a potential short entry in crude oil can glance at the watermark to instantly confirm positioning context without interrupting analysis flow.
LIMITATIONS AND REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Practical application requires understanding both the indicator's considerable strengths and inherent limitations. COT data inherently lags price action by three days, as Tuesday positions are not published until Friday afternoon. This delay means the indicator cannot catch rapid intraday reversals or respond to surprise news events. Traders using the COT Index for timing entries must accept this latency and focus on swing trading and position trading timeframes where three-day lags matter less than in day trading or scalping.
The weekly publication schedule similarly makes the indicator unsuitable for short-term trading strategies requiring immediate feedback. The COT Index works best for traders operating on weekly or longer timeframes, where positioning shifts measured in weeks and months align with trading horizon.
Extreme COT readings can persist far longer than typical technical indicators suggest, testing the patience and capital reserves of traders attempting to fade them. When crude oil enters a sustained bull market driven by genuine supply disruptions, commercial hedgers may maintain bearish positioning for many months as prices grind higher. A commercial COT Index reading of fifteen indicating extreme bearishness might persist for three months while prices continue rallying before finally reversing. Traders without sufficient capital and risk tolerance to weather such drawdowns will exit prematurely, precisely when the signal is about to work (Irwin and Sanders, 2012).
Position sizing discipline becomes paramount when implementing COT-based strategies. Rather than risking large percentages of capital on individual signals, successful COT traders typically allocate modest position sizes across multiple signals, allowing some to take time to mature while others work more quickly.
The indicator also cannot overcome fundamental regime changes that alter the structural drivers of markets. If gold enters a true secular bull market driven by monetary debasement, commercial hedgers may remain persistently bearish as mining companies sell forward years of production at what they perceive as favorable prices. Their positioning indicates valuation concerns from a production cost perspective, but cannot stop prices from rising if investment demand overwhelms physical supply-demand balance.
Similarly, structural changes in market participation can alter the meaning of positioning extremes. The growth of commodity index investing in the two thousands brought massive passive long-only capital into futures markets, fundamentally changing typical positioning ranges. Traders relying on COT signals without recognizing this regime change would have generated numerous false bearish signals during the commodity supercycle from 2003 to 2008.
The research foundation supporting COT analysis derives primarily from commodity markets where the commercial hedger information advantage is most pronounced. Studies specifically examining financial futures like equity indices and bonds show weaker but still present effects. Traders should calibrate expectations accordingly, recognizing that COT analysis likely works better for crude oil, natural gas, corn, and wheat than for the S&P 500, Treasury bonds, or currency futures.
Another important limitation involves the reporting threshold structure. Not all market participants appear in COT data, only those holding positions above specified minimums. In markets dominated by a few large players, concentration metrics become critical for proper interpretation. A single large trader accounting for thirty percent of commercial positioning might skew the entire category if their individual circumstances are idiosyncratic rather than representative.
GOLD FUTURES DURING A HYPOTHETICAL MARKET CYCLE
Consider a practical example using gold futures during a hypothetical but realistic market scenario that illustrates how the COT Index indicator guides trading decisions through a complete market cycle. Suppose gold has rallied from fifteen hundred to nineteen hundred dollars per ounce over six months, driven by inflation concerns following aggressive monetary expansion, geopolitical uncertainty, and sustained buying by Asian central banks for reserve diversification.
Large speculators, operating primarily trend-following strategies, have accumulated increasingly bullish positions throughout this rally. Their COT Index has climbed progressively from forty-five to eighty-five. The table display shows that large speculators now hold net long positions representing thirty-two percent of total open interest, their highest in four years. Momentum indicators show positive readings, indicating positions are still building though at a decelerating rate. Position velocity has turned negative, suggesting the pace of position building is slowing.
Meanwhile, commercial hedgers have responded to the rally by aggressively selling forward production and inventory. Their COT Index has moved inversely to price, declining from fifty-five to twenty. This bearish commercial positioning represents mining companies locking in forward sales at prices they view as attractive relative to production costs. The table shows commercials now hold net short positions representing twenty-nine percent of total open interest, their most bearish stance in five years. Concentration metrics indicate this positioning is broadly distributed across many commercial entities, suggesting the bearish stance reflects collective industry view rather than idiosyncratic positioning by a single firm.
Small traders, attracted by mainstream financial media coverage of gold's impressive rally, have recently piled into long positions. Their COT Index has jumped from forty-five to seventy-eight as retail investors chase the trend. Television financial networks feature frequent segments on gold with bullish guests. Internet forums and social media show surging retail interest. This retail enthusiasm historically marks late-stage trend development rather than early opportunity.
The COT Index indicator, configured to monitor commercial positioning from a contrarian perspective, displays a clear bearish signal given the extreme commercial short positioning. The table displays multiple confirming metrics: positioning extremity shows commercials at the ninety-sixth percentile of bearishness, market power indicates they control twenty-nine percent of open interest, and sentiment divergence registers sixty-five, indicating massive disagreement between commercial hedgers and large speculators. This divergence, the highest in three years, places the market in the historically high-risk category for reversals.
The interpretation requires nuance and consideration of context beyond just COT data. Commercials are not necessarily predicting an imminent crash. Rather, they are hedging business operations at what they collectively view as favorable price levels. However, the data reveals they have sold unusually large quantities of forward production, suggesting either exceptional production expectations for the year ahead or concern about sustaining current price levels or combination of both. Combined with extreme speculator positioning indicating a crowded long trade, and small trader enthusiasm confirming retail FOMO, the confluence suggests elevated reversal risk even if the precise timing remains uncertain.
A prudent trader analyzing this situation might take several actions based on COT Index signals. Existing long positions could be tightened with closer stop losses. Profit-taking on a portion of long exposure could lock in gains while maintaining some participation. Some traders might initiate modest short positions as portfolio hedges, sizing them appropriately for the inherent uncertainty in timing reversals. Others might simply move to the sidelines, avoiding new long entries until positioning normalizes.
The key lesson from case study analysis is that COT signals provide probabilistic edges rather than deterministic predictions. They work over many observations by identifying higher-probability configurations, not by generating perfect calls on individual trades. A fifty-five percent win rate with proper risk management produces substantial profits over time, yet still means forty-five percent of signals will be premature or wrong. Traders must embrace this probabilistic reality rather than seeking the impossible goal of perfect accuracy.
INTEGRATION WITH TRADING SYSTEMS
Integration with existing trading systems represents a natural and powerful use case for COT analysis, adding a positioning dimension to price-based technical approaches or fundamental analytical frameworks. Few traders rely exclusively on a single indicator or methodology. Rather, they build systems that synthesize multiple information sources, with each component addressing different aspects of market behavior.
Trend followers might use COT extremes as regime filters, modifying position sizing or avoiding new trend entries when positioning reaches levels historically associated with reversals. Consider a classic trend-following system based on moving average crossovers and momentum breakouts. Integration of COT analysis adds nuance. When large speculator positioning exceeds ninety or commercial positioning falls below ten, the regime filter recognizes elevated reversal risk. The system might reduce position sizing by fifty percent for new signals during these high-risk periods (Kaufman, 2013).
Mean reversion traders might require COT signal confluence before fading extended moves. When crude oil becomes technically overbought and large speculators show extreme long positioning above eighty-five, both signals confirm. If only technical indicators show extremes while positioning remains neutral, the potential short signal is rejected, avoiding fades of trends with underlying institutional support (Kaufman, 2013).
Discretionary traders can monitor the indicator as a continuous awareness tool, informing bias and position sizing without dictating mechanical entries and exits. A discretionary trader might notice commercial positioning shifting from neutral to progressively more bullish over several months. This trend informs growing positive bias even without triggering mechanical signals.
Multi-timeframe analysis represents another powerful integration approach. A trader might use daily charts for trade execution and timing while monitoring weekly COT positioning for strategic context. When both timeframes align, highest-probability opportunities emerge.
Portfolio construction for futures traders can incorporate COT signals as an additional selection criterion. Markets showing strong technical setups AND favorable COT positioning receive highest allocations. Markets with strong technicals but neutral or unfavorable positioning receive reduced allocations.
ADVANCED METRICS AND INTERPRETATION
The metrics table transforms simple positioning data into multidimensional market intelligence. Position extremity, calculated as the absolute deviation from the historical mean normalized by standard deviation, helps identify truly unusual readings versus routine fluctuations. A reading above two standard deviations indicates ninety-fifth percentile or higher extremity. Above three standard deviations indicates ninety-ninth percentile or higher, genuinely rare positioning that historically precedes major events with high probability.
Market power, expressed as a percentage of total open interest, reveals whose positioning matters most from a mechanical market impact perspective. Consider two scenarios in gold futures. In scenario one, commercials show a COT Index reading of fifteen while their market power metric shows they hold net shorts representing thirty-five percent of open interest. This is a high-confidence bearish signal. In scenario two, commercials also show a reading of fifteen, but market power shows only eight percent. While positioning is extreme relative to this category's normal range, their limited market share means less mechanical influence on price.
The rate of change and momentum metrics highlight whether positions are accelerating or decelerating, often providing earlier warnings than absolute levels alone. A COT Index reading of seventy-five with rapidly building momentum suggests continued movement toward extremes. Conversely, a reading of eighty-five with decelerating or negative momentum indicates the positioning trend is exhausting.
Position velocity measures the rate of change in positioning changes, effectively a second derivative. When velocity shifts from positive to negative, it indicates that while positioning may still be growing, the pace of growth is slowing. This deceleration often precedes actual reversal in positioning direction by several weeks.
Sentiment divergence calculates the absolute difference between normalized commercial and large speculator index values. When commercials show extreme bearish positioning at twenty while large speculators show extreme bullish positioning at eighty, the divergence reaches sixty, representing near-maximum disagreement. Wang (2003) found that these high-divergence environments frequently preceded increased volatility and reversals. The mechanism is intuitive. Extreme divergence indicates the informed hedgers and momentum-following speculators have positioned opposite each other with conviction. One group will prove correct and profit while the other proves incorrect and suffers losses. The resolution of this disagreement through price movement often involves volatility.
The table also displays concentration metrics when available. High concentration indicates a few dominant players controlling most of the positioning within a category, while low concentration suggests broad-based participation. Broad-based positioning more reliably reflects collective market intelligence and industry consensus. If mining companies globally all independently decide to hedge aggressively at similar price levels, it suggests genuine industry-wide view about price valuations rather than circumstances specific to one firm.
DATA QUALITY AND RELIABILITY
The CFTC has maintained COT reporting in various forms since the nineteen twenties, providing nearly a century of positioning data across multiple market cycles. However, data quality and reporting standards have evolved substantially over this long period. Modern electronic reporting implemented in the late nineteen nineties and early two thousands significantly improved accuracy and timeliness compared to earlier paper-based systems.
Traders should understand that COT reports capture positions as of Tuesday's close each week. Markets remain open three additional days before publication on Friday afternoon, meaning the reported data is three days stale when received. During periods of rapid market movement or major news events, this lag can be significant. The indicator addresses this limitation by including timestamp information and staleness warnings.
The three-day lag creates particular challenges during extreme volatility episodes. Flash crashes, surprise central bank interventions, geopolitical shocks, and other high-impact events can completely transform market positioning within hours. Traders must exercise judgment about whether reported positioning remains relevant given intervening events.
Reporting thresholds also mean that not all market participants appear in disaggregated COT data. Traders holding positions below specified minimums aggregate into the non-reportable or small trader category. This aggregation affects different markets differently. In highly liquid contracts like crude oil with thousands of participants, reportable traders might represent seventy to eighty percent of open interest. In thinly traded contracts with only dozens of active participants, a few large reportable positions might represent ninety-five percent of open interest.
Another data quality consideration involves trader classification into categories. The CFTC assigns traders to commercial or non-commercial categories based on reported business purpose and activities. However, this process is not perfect. Some entities engage in both commercial and speculative activities, creating ambiguity about proper classification. The transition to Disaggregated reports attempted to address some of these ambiguities by creating more granular categories.
COMPARISON WITH ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES
Several alternative approaches to COT analysis exist in the trading community beyond the normalization methodology employed by this indicator. Some analysts focus on absolute position changes week-over-week rather than index-based normalization. This approach calculates the change in net positioning from one week to the next. The emphasis falls on momentum in positioning changes rather than absolute levels relative to history. This method potentially identifies regime shifts earlier but sacrifices cross-market comparability (Briese, 2008).
Other practitioners employ more complex statistical transformations including percentile rankings, z-score standardization, and machine learning classification algorithms. Ruan and Zhang (2018) demonstrated that machine learning models applied to COT data could achieve modest improvements in forecasting accuracy compared to simple threshold-based approaches. However, these gains came at the cost of interpretability and implementation complexity.
The COT Index indicator intentionally employs a relatively straightforward normalization methodology for several important reasons. First, transparency enhances user understanding and trust. Traders can verify calculations manually and develop intuitive feel for what different readings mean. Second, academic research suggests that most of the predictive power in COT data comes from extreme positioning levels rather than subtle patterns requiring complex statistical methods to detect. Third, robust methods that work consistently across many markets and time periods tend to be simpler rather than more complex, reducing the risk of overfitting to historical data. Fourth, the complexity costs of implementation matter for retail traders without programming teams or computational infrastructure.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF COT TRADING
Trading based on COT data requires psychological fortitude that differs from momentum-based approaches. Contrarian positioning signals inherently mean betting against prevailing market sentiment and recent price action. When commercials reach extreme bearish positioning, prices have typically been rising, sometimes for extended periods. The price chart looks bullish, momentum indicators confirm strength, moving averages align positively. The COT signal says bet against all of this. This psychological difficulty explains why COT analysis remains underutilized relative to trend-following methods.
Human psychology strongly predisposes us toward extrapolation and recency bias. When prices rally for months, our pattern-matching brains naturally expect continued rally. The recent price action dominates our perception, overwhelming rational analysis about positioning extremes and historical probabilities. The COT signal asking us to sell requires overriding these powerful psychological impulses.
The indicator design attempts to support the required psychological discipline through several features. Clear threshold markers and signal states reduce ambiguity about when signals trigger. When the commercial index crosses below twenty, the signal is explicit and unambiguous. The background shifts to red, the signal label displays bearish, and alerts fire. This explicitness helps traders act on signals rather than waiting for additional confirmation that may never arrive.
The metrics table provides analytical justification for contrarian positions, helping traders maintain conviction during inevitable periods of adverse price movement. When a trader enters short positions based on extreme commercial bearish positioning but prices continue rallying for several weeks, doubt naturally emerges. The table display provides reassurance. Commercial positioning remains extremely bearish. Divergence remains high. The positioning thesis remains intact even though price action has not yet confirmed.
Alert functionality ensures traders do not miss signals due to inattention while also not requiring constant monitoring that can lead to emotional decision-making. Setting alerts for COT extremes enables a healthier relationship with markets. When meaningful signals occur, alerts notify them. They can then calmly assess the situation and execute planned responses.
However, no indicator design can completely overcome the psychological difficulty of contrarian trading. Some traders simply cannot maintain short positions while prices rally. For these traders, COT analysis might be better employed as an exit signal for long positions rather than an entry signal for shorts.
Ultimately, successful COT trading requires developing comfort with probabilistic thinking rather than certainty-seeking. The signals work over many observations by identifying higher-probability configurations, not by generating perfect calls on individual trades. A fifty-five or sixty percent win rate with proper risk management produces substantial profits over years, yet still means forty to forty-five percent of signals will be premature or wrong. COT analysis provides genuine edge, but edge means probability advantage, not elimination of losing trades.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND CONTINUOUS LEARNING
The indicator provides extensive built-in educational resources through its documentation, detailed tooltips, and transparent calculations. However, mastering COT analysis requires study beyond any single tool or resource. Several excellent resources provide valuable extensions of the concepts covered in this guide.
Books and practitioner-focused monographs offer accessible entry points. Stephen Briese published The Commitments of Traders Bible in two thousand eight, offering detailed breakdowns of how different markets and trader categories behave (Briese, 2008). Briese's work stands out for its empirical focus and market-specific insights. Jack Schwager includes discussion of COT analysis within the broader context of market behavior in his book Market Sense and Nonsense (Schwager, 2012). Perry Kaufman's Trading Systems and Methods represents perhaps the most rigorous practitioner-focused text on systematic trading approaches including COT analysis (Kaufman, 2013).
Academic journal articles provide the rigorous statistical foundation underlying COT analysis. The Journal of Futures Markets regularly publishes research on positioning data and its predictive properties. Bessembinder and Chan's earlier work on systematic risk, hedging pressure, and risk premiums in futures markets provides theoretical foundation (Bessembinder, 1992). Chang's examination of speculator returns provides historical context (Chang, 1985). Irwin and Sanders provide essential skeptical perspective in their two thousand twelve article (Irwin and Sanders, 2012). Wang's two thousand three article provides one of the most empirical analyses of COT data across multiple commodity markets (Wang, 2003).
Online resources extend beyond academic and book-length treatments. The CFTC website provides free access to current and historical COT reports in multiple formats. The explanatory materials section offers detailed documentation of report construction, category definitions, and historical methodology changes. Traders serious about COT analysis should read these official CFTC documents to understand exactly what they are analyzing.
Commercial COT data services such as Barchart provide enhanced visualization and analysis tools beyond raw CFTC data. TradingView's educational materials, published scripts library, and user community provide additional resources for exploring different approaches to COT analysis.
The key to mastering COT analysis lies not in finding a single definitive source but rather in building understanding through multiple perspectives and information sources. Academic research provides rigorous empirical foundation. Practitioner-focused books offer practical implementation insights. Direct engagement with data through systematic backtesting develops intuition about how positioning dynamics manifest across different market conditions.
SYNTHESIZING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
The COT Index indicator represents the synthesis of academic research, trading experience, and software engineering into a practical tool accessible to retail traders equipped with nothing more than a TradingView account and willingness to learn. What once required expensive data subscriptions, custom programming capabilities, statistical software, and institutional resources now appears as a straightforward indicator requiring only basic parameter selection and modest study to understand. This democratization of institutional-grade analysis tools represents a broader trend in financial markets over recent decades.
Yet technology and data access alone provide no edge without understanding and discipline. Markets remain relentlessly efficient at eliminating edges that become too widely known and mechanically exploited. The COT Index indicator succeeds only when users invest time learning the underlying concepts, understand the limitations and probability distributions involved, and integrate signals thoughtfully into trading plans rather than applying them mechanically.
The academic research demonstrates conclusively that institutional positioning contains genuine information about future price movements, particularly at extremes where commercial hedgers are maximally bearish or bullish relative to historical norms. This informational content is neither perfect nor deterministic but rather probabilistic, providing edge over many observations through identification of higher-probability configurations. Bessembinder and Chan's finding that commercial positioning explained modest but significant variance in future returns illustrates this probabilistic nature perfectly (Bessembinder and Chan, 1992). The effect is real and statistically significant, yet it explains perhaps ten to fifteen percent of return variance rather than most variance. Much of price movement remains unpredictable even with positioning intelligence.
The practical implication is that COT analysis works best as one component of a trading system rather than a standalone oracle. It provides the positioning dimension, revealing where the smart money has positioned and where the crowd has followed, but price action analysis provides the timing dimension. Fundamental analysis provides the catalyst dimension. Risk management provides the survival dimension. These components work together synergistically.
The indicator's design philosophy prioritizes transparency and education over black-box complexity, empowering traders to understand exactly what they are analyzing and why. Every calculation is documented and user-adjustable. The threshold markers, background coloring, tables, and clear signal states provide multiple reinforcing channels for conveying the same information.
This educational approach reflects a conviction that sustainable trading success comes from genuine understanding rather than mechanical system-following. Traders who understand why commercial positioning matters, how different trader categories behave, what positioning extremes signify, and where signals fit within probability distributions can adapt when market conditions change. Traders mechanically following black-box signals without comprehension abandon systems after normal losing streaks.
The research foundation supporting COT analysis comes primarily from commodity markets where commercial hedger informational advantages are most pronounced. Agricultural producers hedging crops know more about supply conditions than distant speculators. Energy companies hedging production know more about operating costs than financial traders. Metals miners hedging output know more about ore grades than index funds. Financial futures markets show weaker but still present effects.
The journey from reading this documentation to profitable trading based on COT analysis involves several stages that cannot be rushed. Initial reading and basic understanding represents the first stage. Historical study represents the second stage, reviewing past market cycles to observe how positioning extremes preceded major turning points. Paper trading or small-size real trading represents the third stage to experience the psychological challenges. Refinement based on results and personal psychology represents the fourth stage.
Markets will continue evolving. New participant categories will emerge. Regulatory structures will change. Technology will advance. Yet the fundamental dynamics driving COT analysis, that different market participants have different information, different motivations, and different forecasting abilities that manifest in their positioning, will persist as long as futures markets exist. While specific thresholds or optimal parameters may shift over time, the core logic remains sound and adaptable.
The trader equipped with this indicator, understanding of the theory and evidence behind COT analysis, realistic expectations about probability rather than certainty, discipline to maintain positions through adverse volatility, and patience to allow signals time to develop possesses genuine edge in markets. The edge is not enormous, markets cannot allow large persistent inefficiencies without arbitraging them away, but it is real, measurable, and exploitable by those willing to invest in learning and disciplined application.
REFERENCES
Bessembinder, H. (1992) Systematic risk, hedging pressure, and risk premiums in futures markets, Review of Financial Studies, 5(4), pp. 637-667.
Bessembinder, H. and Chan, K. (1992) The profitability of technical trading rules in the Asian stock markets, Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, 3(2-3), pp. 257-284.
Briese, S. (2008) The Commitments of Traders Bible: How to Profit from Insider Market Intelligence. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Chang, E.C. (1985) Returns to speculators and the theory of normal backwardation, Journal of Finance, 40(1), pp. 193-208.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) (2009) Explanatory Notes: Disaggregated Commitments of Traders Report. Available at: www.cftc.gov (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) (2020) Commitments of Traders: About the Report. Available at: www.cftc.gov (Accessed: 15 January 2025).
Irwin, S.H. and Sanders, D.R. (2012) Testing the Masters Hypothesis in commodity futures markets, Energy Economics, 34(1), pp. 256-269.
Kaufman, P.J. (2013) Trading Systems and Methods. 5th edn. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Ruan, Y. and Zhang, Y. (2018) Forecasting commodity futures prices using machine learning: Evidence from the Chinese commodity futures market, Applied Economics Letters, 25(12), pp. 845-849.
Sanders, D.R., Boris, K. and Manfredo, M. (2004) Hedgers, funds, and small speculators in the energy futures markets: an analysis of the CFTC's Commitments of Traders reports, Energy Economics, 26(3), pp. 425-445.
Schwager, J.D. (2012) Market Sense and Nonsense: How the Markets Really Work and How They Don't. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
Tharp, V.K. (2008) Super Trader: Make Consistent Profits in Good and Bad Markets. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Wang, C. (2003) The behavior and performance of major types of futures traders, Journal of Futures Markets, 23(1), pp. 1-31.
Williams, L.R. and Noseworthy, M. (2009) The Right Stock at the Right Time: Prospering in the Coming Good Years. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
FURTHER READING
For traders seeking to deepen their understanding of COT analysis and futures market positioning beyond this documentation, the following resources provide valuable extensions:
Academic Journal Articles:
Fishe, R.P.H. and Smith, A. (2012) Do speculators drive commodity prices away from supply and demand fundamentals?, Journal of Commodity Markets, 1(1), pp. 1-16.
Haigh, M.S., Hranaiova, J. and Overdahl, J.A. (2007) Hedge funds, volatility, and liquidity provision in energy futures markets, Journal of Alternative Investments, 9(4), pp. 10-38.
Kocagil, A.E. (1997) Does futures speculation stabilize spot prices? Evidence from metals markets, Applied Financial Economics, 7(1), pp. 115-125.
Sanders, D.R. and Irwin, S.H. (2011) The impact of index funds in commodity futures markets: A systems approach, Journal of Alternative Investments, 14(1), pp. 40-49.
Books and Practitioner Resources:
Murphy, J.J. (1999) Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets: A Guide to Trading Methods and Applications. New York: New York Institute of Finance.
Pring, M.J. (2002) Technical Analysis Explained: The Investor's Guide to Spotting Investment Trends and Turning Points. 4th edn. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Federal Reserve and Research Institution Publications:
Federal Reserve Banks regularly publish working papers examining commodity markets, futures positioning, and price discovery mechanisms. The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City maintain active research programs in this area.
Online Resources:
The CFTC website provides free access to current and historical COT reports, explanatory materials, and regulatory documentation.
Barchart offers enhanced COT data visualization and screening tools.
TradingView's community library contains numerous published scripts and educational materials exploring different approaches to positioning analysis.
Kairos BarakahTrade with precision during high-probability windows using this advanced Pine Script indicator, designed specifically for Indian Standard Time (IST). The tool identifies key reversal opportunities within a user-defined trading session, combining time-based reference levels, sequence-validated signals, and multi-factor win probability analysis for confident decision-making.
Key Features
1. Time-Based Reference Levels
Automatically sets high/low reference levels at a customizable start time (default: 19:00 IST).
Active trading window with adjustable duration (default: 135 minutes).
Clear visual reference lines for easy tracking.
2. Intelligent Signal Generation
Initial Signals:
Buy (B): Triggered when price closes above the reference high.
Sell (S): Triggered when price closes below the reference low.
Reversal Signals (R):
Valid only after an initial signal, ensuring proper sequence.
Buy Reversal: Price closes above reference high (after a Sell signal).
Sell Reversal: Price closes below reference low (after a Buy signal).
3. Multi-Dimensional Win Probability
Body Strength: Measures candle conviction (body size / total range).
Volume Confirmation: Compares current volume to 20-period average.
Trend Alignment: Uses EMA crosses (9/21) and RSI (14) for momentum.
Composite Score: Weighted blend of all factors, color-coded for quick interpretation:
🟢 >70%: High-confidence signal.
🟠 40-69%: Moderate confidence.
🔴 <40%: Weak signal.
4. Professional Visualization
Clean labels (B/S/R) at signal points.
Real-time reference table showing levels, active signal, and probabilities.
Customizable alerts for all signal types.
Why Use This Indicator?
IST-Optimized: Tailored for Indian market hours.
Rules-Based Reversals: Avoids false signals with strict sequence checks.
Data-Driven Confidence: Win probability metrics reduce guesswork.
Flexible Setup: Adjust time windows and parameters to fit your strategy.
BySq - Market PsychologyThe script I provided is a Market Psychology Index indicator for TradingView, which focuses on three key psychological market phases:
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Panic Selling
Reversal
This indicator uses volume, price changes, and specific time periods to gauge market sentiment. Let me break it down:
1. Input Parameters:
FOMO Period: Defines how many bars (candles) the FOMO index will consider for its calculation.
Panic Period: Defines the period to evaluate Panic Selling.
Reversal Period: Defines the period to evaluate potential price reversals.
You can adjust these periods based on your analysis preferences. The default for each period is 14.
2. FOMO Index:
The FOMO Index aims to capture the "fear of missing out" behavior in the market.
It uses volume and price change:
Volume is compared to the Simple Moving Average (SMA) of volume over the specified period.
Price change is calculated as the percentage change in price compared to the previous bar.
If both volume and price change indicate strong upward movement, the FOMO index spikes.
3. Panic Selling Index:
The Panic Selling Index captures when traders are selling out of fear, often in a rapid or irrational way.
Similar to the FOMO Index, it considers volume and price change:
It uses volume and compares it to the SMA of volume for the panic period.
Price change is negative, meaning it considers only price drops.
When there is high volume coupled with significant price drops, it signals panic selling.
4. Reversal Index:
The Reversal Index aims to detect potential trend reversals in the market.
This index also considers volume and price change:
It focuses on upward price movement and compares volume to its SMA.
If there’s strong upward price movement along with increasing volume, it signals the possibility of a price reversal.
5. Graphical Output:
Histograms are drawn on the chart for each of the three indices:
FOMO is shown in green (indicating the presence of FOMO) and red (when the index is low).
Panic Selling is shown in orange.
Reversal is shown in purple.
The Zero Line (horizontal dotted line) helps identify when any of the indices is positive or negative.
6. Labels:
Labels for each index are shown on the chart at the relevant bar when the index spikes.
FOMO is labeled "FOMO" in green when it spikes.
Panic Selling is labeled "Panic Selling" in orange when it spikes.
Reversal is labeled "Reversal" in purple when it spikes.
Additionally, period labels show above the chart, indicating the specific periods (FOMO, Panic, and Reversal periods) currently being applied. This provides clarity on what time frame each index is analyzing.
7. How to Use:
FOMO: High values may indicate that traders are buying out of fear of missing out on a rally, suggesting a potentially overheated market.
Panic Selling: High values could suggest irrational selling behavior or capitulation, potentially marking the bottom of a downtrend.
Reversal: High values signal the potential for a market reversal, where the price could change direction due to increased volume and upward movement.
8. Visual Appearance:
The indicator’s histograms change colors based on the level of market sentiment detected. The color-coded approach provides an easy-to-read visual representation of different psychological phases in the market.
The horizontal zero line allows easy differentiation between positive and negative values.
Summary:
This script combines the psychology of the market (FOMO, Panic Selling, and Reversal) into a set of indicators that help traders identify potential turning points or emotional states in the market. By focusing on volume and price change, the script attempts to give a clear picture of market sentiment and possible future movements.
Probability Grid [LuxAlgo]The Probability Grid tool allows traders to see the probability of where and when the next reversal would occur, it displays a 10x10 grid and/or dashboard with the probability of the next reversal occurring beyond each cell or within each cell.
🔶 USAGE
By default, the tool displays deciles (percentiles from 0 to 90), users can enable, disable and modify each percentile, but two of them must always be enabled or the tool will display an error message alerting of it.
The use of the tool is quite simple, as shown in the chart above, the further the price moves on the grid, the higher the probability of a reversal.
In this case, the reversal took place on the cell with a probability of 9%, which means that there is a probability of 91% within the square defined by the last reversal and this cell.
🔹 Grid vs Dashboard
The tool can display a grid starting from the last reversal and/or a dashboard at three predefined locations, as shown in the chart above.
🔶 DETAILS
🔹 Raw Data vs Normalized Data
By default the tool displays the normalized data, this means that instead of using the raw data (price delta between reversals) it uses the returns between each reversal, this is useful to make an apples to apples comparison of all the data in the dataset.
This can be seen in the left side of the chart above (BTCUSD Daily chart) where normalize data is disabled, the percentiles from 0 to 40 overlap and are indistinguishable from each other because the tool uses the raw price delta over the entire bitcoin history, with normalize data enabled as we can see in the right side of the chart we can have a fair comparison of the data over the entire history.
🔹 Probability Beyond or Within Each Cell
Two different probability modes are available, the default mode is Probability Beyond Each Cell, the number displayed in each cell is the probability of the next reversal to be located in the area beyond the cell, for example, if the cell displays 20%, it means that in the area formed by the square starting from the last reversal and ending at the cell, there is an 80% probability and outside that square there is a 20% probability for the location of the next reversal.
The second probability mode is the probability within each cell, this outlines the chance that the next reversal will be within the cell, as we can see on the right chart above, when using deciles as percentiles (default settings), each cell has the same 1% probability for the 10x10 grid.
🔶 SETTINGS
Swing Length: The maximum length in bars used to identify a swing
Maximum Reversals: Maximum number of reversals included in calculations
Normalize Data: Use returns between swings instead of raw price
Probability: Choose between two different probability modes: beyond and inside each cell
Percentiles: Enable/disable each of the ten percentiles and select the percentile number and line style
🔹 Dashboard
Show Dashboard: Enable or disable the dashboard
Position: Choose dashboard location
Size: Choose dashboard size
🔹 Style
Show Grid: Enable or disable the grid
Size: Choose grid text size
Colors: Choose grid background colors
Show Marks: Enable/disable reversal markers
GL Gann Swing IndicatorIntroduction
The GL Gann Swing Indicator is a versatile tool designed to help traders identify market trends, support and resistance areas, and potential reversals. This indicator applies the principles of Gann Swing Charts, a technique developed by W.D. Gann, which focuses on market swings to determine the overall direction and turning points of price action. Gann Swing Charts are a time-tested method of technical analysis that simplifies price action by focusing on significant highs and lows, thereby eliminating market noise and providing a clearer view of the trend.
By analyzing price action and determining swing directions and turning points, the indicator filters out market noise using four distinct bar types:
Up Bar: Higher High, Higher Low
Down Bar: Lower High, Lower Low
Inside Bar: Lower High, Higher Low
Outside Bar: Higher High, Lower Low
This approach helps traders to:
Identify the primary trend direction.
Determine key support and resistance levels.
Recognize potential reversal points.
Filter out minor price fluctuations that do not affect the overall trend.
Features
Bar Types: Display bar types by checking the Show Bar Type box in the indicator's settings. Up bars appear as green upward-pointing triangles, down bars as red downward-pointing triangles, inside bars as grey circles, and outside bars as blue diamonds. These visual aids help traders quickly identify the type of bar and its significance.
Break Lines: These lines highlight when the price rises above a previous swing high or falls below a prior swing low. Green lines indicate breaks of swing highs, while red lines indicate breaks of swing lows. Break lines are enabled by default but can be turned off in the indicator's settings. Break lines provide visual confirmation of trend continuation or reversal.
Bar Count: Bar counts help determine if a swing is overextended and if a reversal is likely. This feature is off by default but can be enabled in the indicator's settings. Users can set a minimum bar count to focus on significant swings. Analyzing the number of bars in a swing can help traders gauge the strength and potential exhaustion of a trend.
Swing MA (Moving Averages): This feature plots the average of a user-defined number of previous swing highs and lows. Options are available to add two moving averages, allowing for both fast and slow averages. Swing MAs can be enabled in the indicator's settings. These moving averages smooth out the price data, making it easier to identify the underlying trend direction.
Why This Indicator is Useful
The GL Gann Swing Indicator is particularly useful for several reasons:
Trend Identification: By focusing on significant price swings, the indicator helps traders identify the primary trend direction, making it easier to align trades with the overall market movement.
Noise Reduction: The indicator filters out minor price fluctuations, allowing traders to focus on meaningful market movements and avoid being misled by short-term volatility.
Support and Resistance Levels: By highlighting key swing highs and lows, the indicator helps traders identify crucial support and resistance levels, which are essential for making informed trading decisions.
Potential Reversals: The indicator's ability to identify overextended swings and potential reversal points can help traders anticipate market turning points and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Customizability: With options to display bar types, break lines, bar counts, and swing moving averages, traders can customize the indicator to suit their specific trading style and preferences.
By incorporating Gann Swing principles, the GL Gann Swing Indicator offers traders a powerful tool to enhance their technical analysis, improve their trading decisions, and ultimately achieve better trading outcomes.
price action reversion bands - [SigmaStreet]█ OVERVIEW
The "Price Action Reversion Bands" is designed to help traders identify potential reversal zones through the integration of polynomial regression, fractal analysis, and pinbar detection. This tool overlays directly onto the price chart, providing dynamic visual cues and signals for market reversals. Its unique synthesis of these methodologies offers traders a powerful, multifaceted approach to market analysis.
█ CONCEPTS
Polynomial Regression Bands:
What It Does:
Models the main trend using a polynomial equation to create a middle trend line with dynamic support and resistance bands.
How It Works:
Calculates polynomial coefficients to plot a regression line and adjusts the bands according to market volatility and conditions.
Fibonacci Retracement Levels:
What It Does:
Provides additional lines inside the regression bands at key Fibonacci ratios to identify potential support and resistance areas.
How It Works:
Calculates retracement levels by identifying high and low points over the same period used to calculate the regression bands, applying Fibonacci ratios to these points.
Fractal Analysis:
What It Does: Identifies natural resistance and support levels, indicating potential reversal zones.
How It Works: Detects fractals based on a specific pattern of price action, using Williams Fractal methodology.
Pinbar Detection:
What It Does: Signals potential price reversals through pinbar candlestick patterns.
How It Works: Analyzes
candlesticks to identify pinbars which show a rejection of prices, suggesting possible reversals.
█ ORIGINALITY AND USEFULNESS
The price action reversion bands distinguishes itself through its innovative integration of several advanced analytical methods, providing traders with a holistic view of potential market reversals:
Unique Combination:
While many tools use these techniques in isolation, this indicator synergistically combines polynomial regression, Fibonacci retracement levels, fractal analysis, and pinbar detection. This multi-faceted approach allows traders to assess strength, potential reversal zones, and price rejection more effectively than using traditional single-method indicators.
Advanced Polynomial Regression Application:
Unlike standard regression tools that offer static insights, this indicator dynamically adjusts its regression bands based on real-time market volatility, providing a more accurate reflection of market conditions.
Enhanced Signal Reliability:
By using fractals and pinbars in conjunction to validate each other, the indicator significantly increases the reliability of its reversal signals. This dual-validation method filters out less probable signals, focusing on high-probability trading opportunities.
Customization and Flexibility:
It offers unprecedented customization options, allowing traders to fine-tune the tool according to their trading style and market conditions. Traders can adjust the polynomial degree, the sensitivity of the Fibonacci retracements, and even the definition of what constitutes a significant pinbar, making it highly adaptable to various trading scenarios.
Educational Value:
The indicator not only aids in trading but also serves as an educational tool that helps traders understand the interaction between different types of market analysis techniques. This contributes to a deeper knowledge base and better trading decisions over time.
These distinctive features make the "Price Action Reversion Bands - " not just another indicator but a comprehensive trading tool that enhances decision-making through a well-rounded analysis of market dynamics.
█ HOW TO USE
Installation and Setup:
Apply the indicator to your TradingView chart from the "Indicators" menu.
Select either polynomial regression or Fibonacci retracement as the basis for the bands through the indicator settings.
Reading the Indicator:
Monitor the approach of price to the upper and lower bands which indicate potential reversal zones.
Look for fractal and pinbar formations near these bands for additional signal confirmation.
Customization:
Adjust settings such as the polynomial degree, data window length, and engagement zones to tailor the bands to your trading style.
Modify visual aspects like color and line type for better clarity and personal preference.
█ FEATURES
Dynamic Adjustment:
Bands adjust in real-time based on incoming price data and selected settings.
Multiple Analysis Techniques: Combines several analytical techniques to provide a comprehensive view of potential market movements. The integration of polynomial regression with Fibonacci levels, supplemented by fractal and pinbar analysis, marks this tool as particularly innovative, offering a level of synthesis that enhances predictive accuracy and usability.
User-Friendly Customization: Allows for extensive customization to suit individual trading strategies and preferences.
█ LIMITATIONS
Market Dependency:
Performance may vary significantly across different markets and conditions.
Parameter Sensitivity: Requires fine-tuning of parameters to ensure optimal performance, which might demand a steep learning curve for new users.
█ NOTES
For best results, combine this tool with other forms of analysis, such as fundamental analysis and other technical indicators, to confirm signals and enhance decision-making.
█ THANKS
Special thanks to the PineCoders community the Pine Coders themselves for their foundational contributions to the concepts used in this script. Their pioneering work in the fields of technical analysis and Pine Script development has been invaluable. This script is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the TradingView developer community, integrating analytical techniques with innovative approaches to offer a tool that is both modern and cutting-edge.
TrendingNowTrendingNow Indicator - An Experimental Study
Introduction:
The TrendingNow indicator is an experimental study designed to identify trending market conditions and potential trading opportunities. It combines various technical analysis tools and parameters to provide insights into trend direction, momentum, volume, and price reversals.
Methodology:
The TrendingNow indicator is calculated based on the following parameters and calculations:
Moving Average: A simple moving average (SMA) is calculated using the specified length parameter. It helps smooth out price fluctuations and identify the overall trend direction.
Upper and Lower Bands: The upper and lower bands are derived from the moving average by adding and subtracting a deviation calculated using the multiplier parameter. These bands provide dynamic levels for potential trend reversals.
Price Reversals: The indicator detects price reversals by identifying when the price crosses above or below the upper or lower bands. These reversals suggest potential entry or exit points in the market.
Trend Confirmation: The indicator uses a moving average of the closing prices over the confirmation length parameter to confirm the overall trend direction. It helps filter out false signals and validates the presence of a trend.
Momentum Oscillator: The indicator calculates the relative strength index (RSI) over the momentum length parameter. The RSI measures the speed and change of price movements, indicating potential overbought and oversold conditions.
Volume Trend Confirmation: The study compares the current volume with the average volume over the specified length. If the current volume is above the volume threshold, it suggests increasing volume activity and potential confirmation of the trend.
Volatility Filter: The indicator incorporates an average true range (ATR) calculation to assess market volatility. The volatility threshold is derived by multiplying the ATR by the volatility multiplier parameter. It helps filter out signals during periods of low volatility.
Experimental Study:
The TrendingNow indicator aims to experiment with the combination of these technical analysis tools to identify trending market conditions and potential trading opportunities. By monitoring the price reversals, trend confirmation, momentum, volume trends, and volatility, traders can potentially identify high-probability trade setups.
The study involves observing the indicator's signals and assessing their effectiveness in different market conditions. Traders can experiment with different parameter values, timeframes, and asset classes to optimize the indicator's performance.
Usage and Interpretation:
When using the TrendingNow indicator, traders can consider the following guidelines:
Trend Identification: A bullish trend is indicated when the price is above the upper band, the moving average is rising, and the trend confirmation is positive. A bearish trend is indicated when the price is below the lower band, the moving average is declining, and the trend confirmation is negative.
Price Reversals: Price crossing above the upper band may suggest a potential selling opportunity, while price crossing below the lower band may indicate a potential buying opportunity. These reversals should be confirmed by other indicators and market conditions.
Momentum and Volume Confirmation: Traders can pay attention to the RSI levels to assess overbought and oversold conditions. High volume activity in line with the trend can provide additional confirmation.
Volatility Consideration: Traders may choose to adjust the volatility multiplier parameter based on the current market conditions. Higher values may be more suitable during periods of higher volatility, while lower values may be preferred during low volatility.
Conclusion:
The TrendingNow indicator offers an experimental approach to identifying trending market conditions and potential trading opportunities. Traders can customize the indicator parameters and combine it with other analysis techniques to suit their trading strategies. It is important to conduct thorough testing and validation before incorporating the indicator into live trading.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this document, including the TrendingNow indicator and the accompanying experimental study, is for educational and experimental purposes only. It should not be considered as financial advice or a recommendation to engage in any trading or investment activities. Trading and investing in financial markets carry inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Before making any trading decisions, it is essential to conduct your own research, evaluate your risk tolerance, and consider your financial situation. The TrendingNow indicator is based on historical price data and technical analysis tools. However, it is important to understand that market conditions can change rapidly, and the indicator may not accurately predict future market movements or generate profitable trades in all situations.
The experimental study aims to explore the effectiveness of the TrendingNow indicator under different market conditions. However, the results obtained from the study are specific to historical data and may not necessarily be indicative of real-time market performance. It is recommended to exercise caution and use the indicator in conjunction with other analysis techniques and risk management strategies.
The TrendingNow indicator's parameters, such as length, multiplier, confirmation length, momentum length, overbought level, oversold level, volume threshold, and volatility multiplier, are adjustable inputs. Traders should carefully consider and test different parameter settings to suit their trading style and market conditions. Furthermore, it is important to regularly review and update the indicator's parameters as market dynamics change.
Trading in financial markets involves the potential for financial loss, and individuals should only trade with funds they can afford to lose. It is strongly advised to seek the guidance of a qualified financial professional or advisor before making any investment decisions.
By using the TrendingNow indicator and conducting the experimental study, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any trading decisions you make, and you agree to hold harmless the authors, developers, and distributors of this indicator for any losses, damages, or liabilities incurred as a result of your trading activities.
Volume Weighted RSI (VW RSI)The Volume Weighted RSI (VW RSI) is a momentum oscillator designed for TradingView, implemented in Pine Script v6, that enhances the traditional Relative Strength Index (RSI) by incorporating trading volume into its calculation. Unlike the standard RSI, which measures the speed and change of price movements based solely on price data, the VW RSI weights its analysis by volume, emphasizing price movements backed by significant trading activity. This makes the VW RSI particularly effective for identifying bullish or bearish momentum, overbought/oversold conditions, and potential trend reversals in markets where volume plays a critical role, such as stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies.
Key Features
Volume-Weighted Momentum Calculation:
The VW RSI calculates momentum by comparing the volume associated with upward price movements (up-volume) to the volume associated with downward price movements (down-volume).
Up-volume is the volume on bars where the closing price is higher than the previous close, while down-volume is the volume on bars where the closing price is lower than the previous close.
These volumes are smoothed over a user-defined period (default: 14 bars) using a Running Moving Average (RMA), and the VW RSI is computed using the formula:
\text{VW RSI} = 100 - \frac{100}{1 + \text{VoRS}}
where
\text{VoRS} = \frac{\text{Average Up-Volume}}{\text{Average Down-Volume}}
.
Oscillator Range and Interpretation:
The VW RSI oscillates between 0 and 100, with a centerline at 50.
Above 50: Indicates bullish volume momentum, suggesting that volume on up bars dominates, which may signal buying pressure and a potential uptrend.
Below 50: Indicates bearish volume momentum, suggesting that volume on down bars dominates, which may signal selling pressure and a potential downtrend.
Overbought/Oversold Levels: User-defined thresholds (default: 70 for overbought, 30 for oversold) help identify potential reversal points:
VW RSI > 70: Overbought, indicating a possible pullback or reversal.
VW RSI < 30: Oversold, indicating a possible bounce or reversal.
Visual Elements:
VW RSI Line: Plotted in a separate pane below the price chart, colored dynamically based on its value:
Green when above 50 (bullish momentum).
Red when below 50 (bearish momentum).
Gray when at 50 (neutral).
Centerline: A dashed line at 50, optionally displayed, serving as the neutral threshold between bullish and bearish momentum.
Overbought/Oversold Lines: Dashed lines at the user-defined overbought (default: 70) and oversold (default: 30) levels, optionally displayed, to highlight extreme conditions.
Background Coloring: The background of the VW RSI pane is shaded red when the indicator is in overbought territory and green when in oversold territory, providing a quick visual cue of potential reversal zones.
Alerts:
Built-in alerts for key events:
Bullish Momentum: Triggered when the VW RSI crosses above 50, indicating a shift to bullish volume momentum.
Bearish Momentum: Triggered when the VW RSI crosses below 50, indicating a shift to bearish volume momentum.
Overbought Condition: Triggered when the VW RSI crosses above the overbought threshold (default: 70), signaling a potential pullback.
Oversold Condition: Triggered when the VW RSI crosses below the oversold threshold (default: 30), signaling a potential bounce.
Input Parameters
VW RSI Length (default: 14): The period over which the up-volume and down-volume are smoothed to calculate the VW RSI. A longer period results in smoother signals, while a shorter period increases sensitivity.
Overbought Level (default: 70): The threshold above which the VW RSI is considered overbought, indicating a potential reversal or pullback.
Oversold Level (default: 30): The threshold below which the VW RSI is considered oversold, indicating a potential reversal or bounce.
Show Centerline (default: true): Toggles the display of the 50 centerline, which separates bullish and bearish momentum zones.
Show Overbought/Oversold Lines (default: true): Toggles the display of the overbought and oversold threshold lines.
How It Works
Volume Classification:
For each bar, the indicator determines whether the price movement is upward or downward:
If the current close is higher than the previous close, the bar’s volume is classified as up-volume.
If the current close is lower than the previous close, the bar’s volume is classified as down-volume.
If the close is unchanged, both up-volume and down-volume are set to 0 for that bar.
Smoothing:
The up-volume and down-volume are smoothed using a Running Moving Average (RMA) over the specified period (default: 14 bars) to reduce noise and provide a more stable measure of volume momentum.
VW RSI Calculation:
The Volume Relative Strength (VoRS) is calculated as the ratio of smoothed up-volume to smoothed down-volume.
The VW RSI is then computed using the standard RSI formula, but with volume data instead of price changes, resulting in a value between 0 and 100.
Visualization and Alerts:
The VW RSI is plotted with dynamic coloring to reflect its momentum direction, and optional lines are drawn for the centerline and overbought/oversold levels.
Background coloring highlights overbought and oversold conditions, and alerts notify the trader of significant crossings.
Usage
Timeframe: The VW RSI can be used on any timeframe, but it is particularly effective on intraday charts (e.g., 1-hour, 4-hour) or daily charts where volume data is reliable. Shorter timeframes may require a shorter length for increased sensitivity, while longer timeframes may benefit from a longer length for smoother signals.
Markets: Best suited for markets with significant and reliable volume data, such as stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies. It may be less effective in markets with low or inconsistent volume, such as certain futures contracts.
Trading Strategies:
Trend Confirmation:
Use the VW RSI to confirm the direction of a trend. For example, in an uptrend, look for the VW RSI to remain above 50, indicating sustained bullish volume momentum, and consider buying on pullbacks when the VW RSI dips but stays above 50.
In a downtrend, look for the VW RSI to remain below 50, indicating sustained bearish volume momentum, and consider selling on rallies when the VW RSI rises but stays below 50.
Overbought/Oversold Conditions:
When the VW RSI crosses above 70, the market may be overbought, suggesting a potential pullback or reversal. Consider taking profits on long positions or preparing for a short entry, but confirm with price action or other indicators.
When the VW RSI crosses below 30, the market may be oversold, suggesting a potential bounce or reversal. Consider entering long positions or covering shorts, but confirm with additional signals.
Divergences:
Look for divergences between the VW RSI and price to spot potential reversals. For example, if the price makes a higher high but the VW RSI makes a lower high, this bearish divergence may signal an impending downtrend.
Conversely, if the price makes a lower low but the VW RSI makes a higher low, this bullish divergence may signal an impending uptrend.
Momentum Shifts:
A crossover above 50 can signal the start of bullish momentum, making it a potential entry point for long trades.
A crossunder below 50 can signal the start of bearish momentum, making it a potential entry point for short trades or an exit for long positions.
Example
On a 4-hour SOLUSDT chart:
During an uptrend, the VW RSI might rise above 50 and stay there, confirming bullish volume momentum. If it approaches 70, it may indicate overbought conditions, as seen near a price peak of 145.08, suggesting a potential pullback.
During a downtrend, the VW RSI might fall below 50, confirming bearish volume momentum. If it drops below 30 near a price low of 141.82, it may indicate oversold conditions, suggesting a potential bounce, as seen in a slight recovery afterward.
A bullish divergence might occur if the price makes a lower low during the downtrend, but the VW RSI makes a higher low, signaling a potential reversal.
Limitations
Lagging Nature: Like the traditional RSI, the VW RSI is a lagging indicator because it relies on smoothed data (RMA). It may not react quickly to sudden price reversals, potentially missing the start of new trends.
False Signals in Ranging Markets: In choppy or ranging markets, the VW RSI may oscillate around 50, generating frequent crossovers that lead to false signals. Combining it with a trend filter (e.g., ADX) can help mitigate this.
Volume Data Dependency: The VW RSI relies on accurate volume data, which may be inconsistent or unavailable in some markets (e.g., certain forex pairs or futures contracts). In such cases, the indicator’s effectiveness may be reduced.
Overbought/Oversold in Strong Trends: During strong trends, the VW RSI can remain in overbought or oversold territory for extended periods, leading to premature exit signals. Use additional confirmation to avoid exiting too early.
Potential Improvements
Smoothing Options: Add options to use different smoothing methods (e.g., EMA, SMA) instead of RMA for the up/down volume calculations, allowing users to adjust the indicator’s responsiveness.
Divergence Detection: Include logic to detect and plot bullish/bearish divergences between the VW RSI and price, providing visual cues for potential reversals.
Customizable Colors: Allow users to customize the colors of the VW RSI line, centerline, overbought/oversold lines, and background shading.
Trend Filter: Integrate a trend strength filter (e.g., ADX > 25) to ensure signals are generated only during strong trends, reducing false signals in ranging markets.
The Volume Weighted RSI (VW RSI) is a powerful tool for traders seeking to incorporate volume into their momentum analysis, offering a unique perspective on market dynamics by emphasizing price movements backed by significant trading activity. It is best used in conjunction with other indicators and price action analysis to confirm signals and improve trading decisions.
Multi-Timeframe Stochastic OverviewPurpose of the Multi-Timeframe Stochastic Indicator:
The Multi-Timeframe Stochastic Indicator provides a consolidated view of market conditions across multiple timeframes (M1, M5, M15, H1) based on the Stochastic Oscillator, a popular technical analysis tool. The main objective is to allow traders to quickly assess momentum and potential trend reversals across different timeframes on a single chart, helping to make informed trading decisions.
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General Purpose of Stochastic Oscillator:
The Stochastic Oscillator measures the relationship between a security's closing price and its price range over a given period, aiming to identify momentum, overbought/oversold levels, and potential reversal points. It works on the assumption that:
1. In uptrends, prices tend to close near their highs.
2. In downtrends, prices tend to close near their lows.
It consists of two lines:
%K (fast line): Represents the raw Stochastic value.
%D (slow line): A moving average of %K, used to smooth the data for better signals.
The indicator is generally used to:
Identify Overbought (price above 80% threshold) and Oversold (price below 20% threshold) conditions.
Spot Bullish and Bearish divergences for potential trend reversals.
Evaluate momentum strength within a trend.
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How This Multi-Timeframe Indicator Enhances Stochastic's Utility:
1. Multi-Timeframe Overview:
The indicator calculates Stochastic values for multiple timeframes (1-minute, 5-minute, 15-minute, and 1-hour) and displays their market conditions (e.g., Bullish, Bearish, Overbought, Oversold, or Indecision) in an organized table format.
This gives traders a broad perspective on short-term, mid-term, and long-term trends simultaneously.
2. Market Condition Summary:
Bullish: Indicates upward momentum (both %K and %D > 50%).
Bearish: Indicates downward momentum (both %K and %D < 50%).
Overbought: Suggests potential trend exhaustion (both %K and %D > 80%).
Oversold: Suggests a potential reversal to the upside (both %K and %D < 20%).
Indecision: Highlights uncertainty when %K and %D are on opposite sides of the 50% level.
3. Quick Decision-Making:
The color-coded table (green for Bullish/Overbought, red for Bearish/Oversold, orange for Indecision) allows traders to quickly identify dominant conditions and momentum alignment across timeframes, helping in trade confirmation.
4. Trend Analysis:
By observing alignment or divergence in market conditions across timeframes, traders can gauge the strength of a trend or anticipate reversals. For example:
If all timeframes show "Bullish," it suggests strong momentum.
If smaller timeframes are "Overbought" while larger ones are "Bearish," it warns of a possible pullback.
5. Customizable Parameters:
The indicator allows customization of Stochastic K, D, smoothing values, and overbought/oversold levels, enabling users to tailor the analysis to specific trading styles or market conditions.
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Use Cases:
1. Scalping:
A scalper can use lower timeframes (e.g., M1, M5) to find overbought/oversold zones for quick trades.
2. Swing Trading:
Swing traders can align smaller timeframes with higher ones (e.g., M15 and H1) to confirm momentum before entering a trade.
3. Trend Reversals:
Overbought or oversold conditions across all timeframes may indicate a major reversal point, helping traders plan exits or countertrend entries.
4. Trend Continuation:
Consistent bullish or bearish conditions across all timeframes confirm the continuation of a trend, providing confidence to hold positions.
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Summary:
This indicator enhances the traditional Stochastic Oscillator by giving a multi-timeframe snapshot of market momentum, overbought/oversold conditions, and trend direction. It enables traders to quickly assess the overall market state, spot opportunities, and make more informed trading decisions.
