ICT 2024 Mentorship \ Lecture #2   August 6, 2024

ICT 2024 Mentorship \ Lecture #2 August 6, 2024

Audio Check and Technical Issues

Addressing Audio Concerns

  • The speaker begins with an audio check, acknowledging feedback about low volume from previous sessions.
  • Clarifies that the equipment used is of good quality, but issues may arise from YouTube's compression during live streaming.
  • Mentions past experiences where audio quality differed between original recordings and streamed content.

Communication Preferences

  • Expresses discomfort with unsolicited text messages and emphasizes boundaries regarding personal contact information.
  • Compares unwanted communication to door-to-door interactions, reinforcing a desire for privacy.

Session Schedule and Focus

Upcoming Lectures

  • Announces an afternoon lecture due to a personal appointment, specifying the time as 1:30 PM Eastern Time for the next session.
  • Confirms that Thursday and Friday will return to morning sessions.

Journaling and Data Collection

  • Advises participants to focus on journaling throughout August without engaging in trading or market entry, emphasizing data collection instead.

Clarifications on Previous Content

Correcting Misstatements

  • Acknowledges errors made in previous discussions, particularly mislabeling concepts related to market behavior (e.g., reaccumulation vs. redistribution).
  • Explains that mistakes are unintentional due to the spontaneous nature of live presentations without scripts.

Human Element in Presentations

  • Emphasizes his human frailties compared to AI, highlighting the challenges of live broadcasting versus pre-recorded lectures.

Market Behavior Insights

Observational Learning

Expectations and Teaching Approach

Caleb's Expectations for the Lesson

  • At 7:33 a.m., Caleb sent a chart that the speaker found difficult to understand, indicating his expectations for the lesson.
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of organized charts that capture specific data to measure progress effectively.
  • Plans are made for a recap session over the weekend to review progress and prepare for the upcoming week.

Trading Insights and Communication

  • Caleb anticipates a market rally, advising on trading strategies such as taking swing lows and targeting relative equal highs.
  • The speaker warns against rude comments in chat, stating they will be ignored permanently, emphasizing respect in communication.

Teaching Methodology

Learning Environment Setup

  • The speaker is using naked charts (without annotations), which reflects how traders must analyze markets without prior biases or influences.
  • This session focuses on teaching foundational skills to Caleb while allowing others to learn from this mentorship experience.

Importance of Patience in Trading

  • The speaker stresses that if one cannot attend live sessions due to work commitments, they should prioritize their job until trading can replace it financially.
  • Different time frames are introduced: 15-minute (upper left), 5-minute (lower left), and 1-minute (upper right), focusing on intraday trading techniques.

Price Continuum Theory

Understanding Time Frames

  • A lesson on Price Delivery Continuum Theory is provided, explaining how different time frames interact during trading decisions.
  • The speaker insists that no higher than a 15-minute chart is necessary for intraday trading, simplifying analysis across various markets.

Global Market Synchronization

  • Emphasizes that all traders operate within synchronized timeframes regardless of geographical location, highlighting universal market behavior patterns.

Trusting Your Trading Strategy

Testing Strategies Over Time

  • The importance of proving one's strategy through consistent results is discussed; it either works or it doesn't based on real-time performance.

Slowing Down in Learning Process

Understanding Trading Concepts and Personal Development

The Challenge of Knowing What to Learn

  • The speaker discusses the difficulty traders face in knowing what information is essential for their development, emphasizing the need for guidance on organizing charts and homework.

Finding Your Trading Style

  • Emphasizes that initial observations in trading do not dictate long-term strategies; they serve as a starting point for personal interest and exploration.

Personalization in Trading Education

  • Highlights the importance of allowing individual personality traits to influence trading styles rather than adhering strictly to specific concepts like Breakers or order blocks, which may alienate some learners.

Avoiding One-Dimensional Learning

  • Warns against limiting oneself to a single trading strategy or concept, advocating for a broader approach that accommodates various techniques and personal preferences.

Daily Protocol for Chart Analysis

  • Introduces a daily routine for engaging with charts, whether live or after-the-fact, stressing the importance of consistent practice and reflection on past trades.

Journaling as a Tool for Growth

  • Discusses how journaling can help traders reflect on their decisions, identify missed opportunities, and encourage self-improvement without harsh self-criticism.

Filtering Out Toxic Influences

  • Advises against listening to negative opinions from uninformed individuals in social media spaces, promoting self-reliance in one's trading journey.

Constructive Self-Critique

Journaling: A Tool for Self-Coaching?

The Purpose of Journaling

  • Journaling should not be about self-punishment or harsh criticism; it's a method of self-coaching and encouragement rather than a drill sergeant mentality.
  • Unlike boot camp, where individuals are broken down to be rebuilt as soldiers, journaling is meant to foster personal growth without toxic self-talk.

Avoiding Toxicity in Reflection

  • It's crucial to avoid dwelling on negative thoughts or reactions in your journal; instead, frame experiences positively to prevent toxicity.
  • Critics may dismiss journaling as a waste of time; however, those who do so often lack consistency and fulfillment in their lives.

Managing Social Influences

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of limiting social media interactions, viewing it as detrimental to mental health and focus.
  • Communication with mentorship students is kept private and controlled by the speaker, ensuring that interactions are meaningful and purposeful.

Mentorship Dynamics

  • The speaker discusses how he allows his son to interact with mentorship students but advises him against forming friendships within that group due to potential toxicity.
  • It’s important not to let others' opinions affect your mindset; maintaining boundaries helps protect personal growth.

Balancing Self-Congratulation and Realism

  • While it's acceptable to celebrate achievements in journaling, one must remain grounded and avoid excessive self-praise that leads to arrogance.
  • Consistency in practice is essential for understanding market dynamics; the speaker stresses the need for genuine engagement over superficial learning methods.

Commitment to Learning Processes

  • The speaker insists on rigorous practice for his son over a month, emphasizing that true understanding comes from diligent study rather than casual observation.

Understanding Price Action and Overcoming Trading Fears

The Importance of Familiarity with Price Action

  • Emphasizes the need to become familiar with reading price action rather than relying on multiple time frames when trading. Understanding price movements is crucial for overcoming fears related to missing opportunities.
  • Discusses the psychological barrier traders face, wishing they could predict market movements. This desire can hinder profitability, but recognizing its role in development is essential.

Clarifying Time Frame Confusion

  • Introduces a simplified approach to understanding market moves, indicating that there are not many complex rules involved. A clarification will be provided regarding references made about specific times.
  • Addresses confusion from previous discussions about looking for trades before 7 AM versus after 7 AM, promising to clarify these points further.

Tools and Equipment for Effective Trading

  • Mentions the importance of having adequate equipment for trading, suggesting that a laptop or larger screen is necessary for effective learning and analysis compared to just using a smartphone.
  • Advises against relying solely on smartphones for trading activities; instead, recommends at least a 15-inch laptop screen for better visibility and functionality during trading sessions.

Utilizing Different Time Frames in Trading

  • States that while sub-one-minute time frames are not necessary, they will be discussed as an option for those who have access. The focus will be on how to integrate this into current studies.
  • Notes the intention to keep the session concise due to voice strain from previous discussions while ensuring all critical information is conveyed effectively before market opening.

Analyzing Market Movements with Charts

  • Suggests setting up multiple charts (15-minute, 5-minute, 1-minute, and optionally a 15-second chart), highlighting how different time frames provide valuable insights into price actions that may not be visible otherwise.
  • Explains how observing price movements on shorter time frames like the 15-second chart can reveal important details about market behavior that traders might overlook when focusing only on longer intervals.

Understanding Trading Psychology and Techniques

The Importance of Flexibility in Trading

  • Emphasizes the need for flexibility in trading, stating that striving for perfection can lead to frustration.
  • Highlights the importance of not getting upset over missed fills, advocating for a calm approach to trading decisions.
  • Warns against demanding perfection in order placements, as it complicates the learning process and leads to unnecessary stress.

Utilizing Shorter Time Frames

  • Discusses the advantages of using a 15-second chart, allowing traders to enter price runs they might miss on longer time frames.
  • Instructs students to focus solely on specific time frames until further notice, emphasizing simplicity in analysis.
  • Claims that understanding price action is more critical than relying solely on charts; charts serve as a communication tool.

Learning Through Experience

  • Encourages students to validate their learning by observing real-time market movements throughout the month.
  • Stresses that traders have significant input into their decision-making processes and should take ownership of their choices.

Managing Expectations with 15-second Charts

  • Acknowledges challenges faced by students when transitioning to shorter time frames; emphasizes patience and practice are essential.
  • Explains how 15-second charts provide more opportunities while reducing risk exposure compared to longer time frames.

Common Misconceptions About Shorter Time Frames

  • Cautions against viewing 15-second charts as a shortcut; mastery requires understanding underlying price actions.
  • Addresses misconceptions about easy success with shorter time frames; highlights that adversity is part of the learning curve.

Real-Time Data vs. Delayed Data

  • Discusses issues related to using delayed data for trading education, stressing the importance of live data for effective learning.

Trading View Membership Insights

Trading View Membership and Pricing

  • The speaker discusses the affordability of Trading View memberships, mentioning a Black Friday sale where they purchased six years of the highest membership for around $600.
  • Clarifies that they are not affiliated with Trading View and only use it as a medium requested by their community after concerns about MT4's reliability arose.

Concerns About Brokers

  • The speaker expresses skepticism towards certain brokers like Hando Trade, suggesting they manipulate trades to mislead users into losing money.
  • They emphasize that their opinions on brokers are based on hearsay from others rather than personal experience, but maintain a strong stance against using unreliable platforms.

Personal Experience and Transparency

  • The speaker highlights their lack of business arrangements or affiliations with any trading platform, ensuring their opinions remain unbiased and honest.
  • They share a negative personal experience with FXCM, advocating for stricter regulations against such brokers.

Real-Time Data vs. Delayed Data

  • Discusses coaching someone who will secure a Trading View plan during Black Friday to access real-time data while currently relying on delayed data.
  • Emphasizes the importance of real-time data in trading decisions and how it provides an advantage over delayed information.

Learning Through Observation

  • The speaker describes how their child learns trading by observing them execute trades in real time, providing insights into market behavior without financial risk.
  • Highlights the unique learning opportunity this presents, allowing the child to understand market dynamics without the pressure of making financial losses.

Anticipating Market Behavior

Understanding Trading Strategies and Timeframes

Shopping Habits and Trading Insights

  • The speaker emphasizes a straightforward approach to shopping, indicating that if they want something, they buy it without hesitation. This attitude extends to trading, where the speaker suggests that buying outside of Black Friday is often a waste of money.

Learning Process in Trading

  • Caleb will gain access to real-time data on the third Friday of November, which will enhance his ability to anticipate market movements. He has been observing the speaker's strategies for several months.

Importance of Timeframes in Trading

  • The speaker discusses using a 15-minute chart for trading analysis, explaining that addressing common questions helps clarify misunderstandings among students who may feel ignored.

Starting Point for Analysis

  • The focus should begin at 7:00 AM local New York time when analyzing price action. Prior data from earlier sessions should not be considered by beginners like Caleb.

Key Takeaways on Relative Highs and Lows

  • It is crucial not to look for relative equal highs or lows before 7:00 AM. However, advanced students can observe these levels as part of their learning process without confusion regarding session data.

Understanding Market Profiles

  • The discussion includes differentiating between London session price data and market profiles. Students are encouraged to understand how these elements contribute to daily trading ranges.

Analyzing Session Trends

  • If there’s a significant drop during the London session (2:00 - 5:00 AM), traders should expect potential reversals during the New York session based on prior movements.

Teaching Methodology for Beginners

  • The speaker aims to simplify concepts for new students like Caleb by focusing on foundational aspects before expanding into more complex strategies once understanding is demonstrated.

Clarity in Trading Concepts

  • For those familiar with day-of-the-week dynamics and London session trades, yesterday's commentary would have made sense; however, confusion arises when integrating this knowledge with New York sessions.

Trading Strategies and Mindset

Starting the Trading Day

  • The trading day begins at 7:00 AM; no prior actions are necessary for beginners.
  • Focus on identifying relative equal highs and lows starting from the 15-minute time frame after 7:00 AM.
  • Relative equal lows may be relevant for analysis on the 5-minute chart.

Chart Analysis Techniques

  • When analyzing charts, take mental notes of potential setups without annotating until they form.
  • Avoid leading expectations with unformed setups; wait for actual price signatures to appear before making predictions.

Importance of Experience and Repetition

  • Gaining experience in trading requires exposure and repetition, despite initial monotony or frustration.
  • Consistency is key; traders must adhere to their routines to see results over time, similar to fitness regimens.

Millennial Mindset in Trading

  • Many millennials rush into trading without adequate skills or understanding, seeking quick success.
  • True skill development comes from dedication and hard work rather than shortcuts like brief training videos.

Observing Market Behavior Post-Trading Hours

  • After 7:00 AM, focus on scanning for relative equal highs and lows while avoiding pre-trading hour data.
  • Analyze market behavior by observing how price movements create jagged patterns indicative of liquidity engagement.

Understanding Short-Term Bias in Trading

Analyzing Price Action and Relative Highs/Lows

  • The focus is on short-term bias within various time frames, particularly the one-minute chart, to observe how price interacts with relative equal lows and highs.
  • Traders should avoid entering trades into areas where significant market activity has already occurred, as this can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
  • It’s essential to encapsulate price action post 7:00 AM, disregarding earlier movements during the London session for clearer analysis.
  • The concept of a "Judas swing" is introduced, highlighting manipulation that misleads traders into unprofitable positions before a significant drop occurs.
  • Emphasis is placed on identifying where less informed traders might place their support and resistance levels, which are not the primary focus of this trading strategy.

Liquidity and Inefficiencies in Trading

  • The speaker does not advocate for traditional support and resistance trading; instead, they emphasize seeking liquidity and inefficiencies in the market.
  • A systematic approach involves annotating inefficiencies across different time frames (15-minute, 5-minute, 1-minute charts).
  • Understanding candlestick patterns is crucial; down-close fair value gaps indicate sell-side imbalances that may present trading opportunities.
  • Any movement back up into previously identified ranges creates inefficiencies that could invite future price action towards those levels.
  • Small gaps or inefficiencies may seem insignificant but can be pivotal for executing successful trades based on historical data.

Practical Application of Inefficiencies

  • Real-world examples illustrate how small inefficiencies can be leveraged for profitable trades without significant drawdown risks.
  • Mentorship experiences highlight the importance of recognizing original fair value gaps as influential levels that can be revisited by price action.
  • Maintaining awareness of volume imbalances between candlestick bodies aids in understanding potential market movements and trade setups.

Understanding Volume Imbalances in Candlestick Patterns

The Concept of Volume Imbalance

  • The speaker introduces the idea that if the bodies of two consecutive candlesticks do not overlap or touch, it indicates a volume imbalance. This concept is presented as a novel insight into price action analysis.

Fair Value Gaps and Wicks

  • The speaker explains that wicks do not represent the true narrative of price movement; they can mislead traders. He uses an analogy involving a child coloring outside the lines to illustrate this point.
  • Emphasizing the importance of focusing on candle bodies rather than wicks, he suggests that volume imbalances should guide traders' interpretations of price action.

Importance of Noting Volume Imbalances

  • Listeners are urged to take notes on these concepts, as understanding volume imbalances is crucial for effective trading strategies. Wicks within a fair value gap should be disregarded unless they reach specific levels.
  • The speaker highlights that any wick inside a fair value gap becomes irrelevant if there is a corresponding volume imbalance, reinforcing the need to focus on candle bodies for accurate analysis.

Identifying Key Levels in Price Action

  • A distinction is made between significant wicks and those below certain thresholds (consequent encroachment), which should be ignored when analyzing market behavior.
  • The discussion transitions to how algorithms interact with these levels, suggesting that market movements often align with identified gaps and imbalances, leading to predictable outcomes.

Market Manipulation and Trading Strategies

  • The speaker asserts that markets are manipulated by algorithms rather than being random. He emphasizes understanding these manipulations for better trading decisions.
  • A call for personalizing chart colors is made, indicating that traders should develop their own systems rather than copying others’ methods blindly.

Understanding Inversion Fair Value Gaps in Trading

Introduction to Inversion Fair Value Gaps

  • The speaker introduces the concept of inversion fair value gaps, emphasizing their significance at turning points in trading. This is a foundational element discussed in the speaker's upcoming book.
  • Teaching inversion fair value gaps can be challenging for others who attempt to monetize this knowledge, as the speaker has not previously provided extensive details on the topic.

Key Characteristics of Fair Value Gaps

  • The effectiveness of inversion fair value gaps relies heavily on understanding concepts taught previously, particularly regarding market behavior after 7 AM.
  • Traders should focus on smaller time frames (15-minute, 5-minute, and 1-minute) to identify relative equal highs and lows that form post-7 AM.

Breakers and Market Behavior

  • The speaker reflects on past teachings about waiting for stop runs before entering trades, highlighting the importance of recognizing bearish breakers within price action.
  • A down closed candle represents a fair value gap; understanding its role is crucial for identifying buy-side imbalances and sell-side inefficiencies.

Timing and Price Action Analysis

  • Emphasizes that without proper timing and understanding of market structure, traders may misinterpret opportunities leading to losses.
  • After 7 AM, traders should look for relative equal highs or lows while being cautious about potential reversals based on market conditions.

Fractal Patterns in Trading

  • The speaker discusses fractal patterns observed during specific times of day, which are essential for effective trading strategies.
  • Focus remains on lower time frames (up to 15 minutes), where bid/ask imbalances create opportunities through inversion fair value gaps.

London Session Dynamics

  • Post-London session characteristics dictate retracement back into previous ranges established between 2 AM and 5 AM EST.
  • Clarifies that anticipating market movements requires careful observation of price action around key times rather than relying solely on complex theories.

Practical Application of Concepts

  • Traders must adapt their strategies based on real-time chart data rather than preconceived notions about price levels or patterns.
  • Identifying significant candlestick formations helps traders navigate towards optimal trade entries by focusing on high-probability setups.

Conclusion: Optimal Trade Entry Points

  • The ideal entry point occurs when all factors align favorably within the context of an inversion fair value gap strategy.

Understanding Price Action and Market Dynamics

Analyzing Market Movements

  • The discussion begins with the observation of price levels at 8:00, indicating a rally against expected market moves due to a potential reversal pattern formed after equal lows.
  • Emphasis is placed on identifying ranges prior to reversal patterns, particularly after relative equal highs have been breached. This highlights the importance of understanding market structure.
  • The speaker encourages focusing on areas where traders can be stopped out, targeting obvious highs and lows for liquidity purposes. This approach aids in recognizing key price action moments.

Fair Value Gaps and Inefficiencies

  • The concept of fair value gaps is introduced as inefficiencies in price action that traders should focus on. These gaps are visually represented by rectangles on charts.
  • It’s noted that while some inefficiencies may not fill immediately, they remain significant for future trading decisions. Traders should always consider low, midpoint, and high levels during their analysis.

Support and Resistance Dynamics

  • The speaker argues that inefficiencies represent true support and resistance levels in price action. Observing how prices interact with these levels can provide insights into market behavior.
  • A critical point is made about algorithms in trading; they rely on historical data to inform current actions. Understanding this can help traders anticipate market movements based on past behaviors.

Trading Strategies Based on Price Action

  • Traders are advised to look for fair value gaps following the breach of relative equal highs or lows. Recognizing these patterns helps avoid panic during volatile market conditions.
  • The importance of extending identified fair value gaps forward is emphasized, suggesting that traders should not limit themselves to immediate returns but rather consider broader price movements.

Experience and Learning in Trading

  • Reflection on past trades is encouraged; analyzing previous decisions can reveal missed opportunities or mistakes related to understanding breaker patterns in trading setups.

Understanding Fair Value Gaps in Trading

The Concept of Fair Value Gaps

  • The speaker discusses the idea of demo trading with a corpse, emphasizing that mistakes in trading do not lead to malpractice claims when dealing with non-living entities. This metaphor highlights the importance of understanding fair value gaps.
  • A specific fair value gap prior to a stop run is crucial; it is marked in red or pink as it indicates a change in market direction, similar to an order block.

Trading Strategies and Market Behavior

  • If the expected fair value gap does not form, traders should not abandon their strategies but rather adapt by using other tools like supply and demand or Elliott Wave analysis.
  • When utilizing bearish breakers, stops must be placed above the highest high of consecutive down closed candles to manage risk effectively.

Price Action Observations

  • Traders should be cautious about price returning into previous ranges after a stop hunt; this requires careful management of stop-loss orders.
  • The narrative shifts algorithmically after reaching sell-side liquidity, indicating potential future entry points for trades based on observed price action.

Identifying Key Levels and Liquidity

  • Short-term highs are significant because they often contain stops above them; recognizing these levels can help traders anticipate market movements.
  • Relative equal highs and lows indicate potential reversals and liquidity sweeps within the market structure.

Managing Expectations During Trading Sessions

  • The speaker humorously reflects on time management during trading sessions while emphasizing the importance of staying focused on market behavior rather than external distractions.
  • Every sell-side imbalance should be noted, as they provide insights into market directionality; however, attention should only be given if there’s evidence of reversal signals.

Observing Market Dynamics

  • The classification of fair value gaps is essential for understanding market efficiency; some gaps may not warrant attention if they contradict prevailing trends.
  • An inversion fair value gap could signal a reversal opportunity if violent price action occurs at key levels.

Focused Trading Approach

  • Keeping charts uncluttered helps maintain clarity while observing price action without unnecessary distractions from live chats or social media influences.
  • Traders are encouraged to focus solely on their observations rather than seeking validation from others during trading activities.

Understanding Market Manipulation

Market Analysis and Trading Strategies

Understanding Market Movements

  • The speaker discusses the recent trend of YouTube titles focusing on a stock market crash, contrasting it with their prediction of an upward movement. This highlights the importance of independent analysis over popular sentiment.
  • A rock climbing analogy is used to explain trading strategies, emphasizing the need for careful planning and mapping out potential moves rather than making impulsive decisions.

Analyzing Price Ranges

  • The speaker stresses the significance of understanding price ranges before key market times (7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM), indicating that traders should be aware of previous highs and lows to anticipate future movements.
  • It’s important to incorporate prior low points when analyzing market behavior post-threshold crossing at 7 AM, as these can indicate potential resistance levels.

Identifying Trade Opportunities

  • The discussion includes identifying inefficiencies in price movements; even previously utilized levels can serve as future targets for price action.
  • A shift in market structure is identified as a critical moment for optimal trade entry, reinforcing the concept that traders should measure retracement levels (60% to 72%) for effective decision-making.

Managing Expectations in Trading

  • The speaker reflects on their long-standing trading patterns while encouraging viewers to adapt these lessons into their current strategies for better precision and expectation management.
  • Emphasis is placed on trusting one's analysis during trades and recognizing when to exit positions based on market signals.

Timing and Session Management

  • Each hour marks a new opportunity; traders should focus on forming relative equal highs or lows within specific time frames (morning session from 7 AM to noon).
  • Personal preferences regarding trading hours are shared; some may prefer shorter sessions while others might engage throughout the day.

Recognizing Market Manipulation

  • The speaker advises against being overly reactive to short-term fluctuations; instead, one should wait for confirmation before acting on perceived inefficiencies.
  • Understanding how stop losses are positioned by other traders can provide insights into potential market movements following manipulative actions.

Understanding Trading Strategies

Key Concepts in Trading Timeframes

  • The importance of identifying relative equal highs or lows before 8:00 AM is emphasized for longer-term trades, suggesting traders should analyze previous day’s price ranges.
  • Traders are advised to focus on the previous day's high and low as logical levels to target, avoiding overwhelming new traders with excessive information.

Analyzing Market Behavior

  • At 7:00 AM, traders should begin looking for disruptions in market patterns; jagged movements may indicate a potential reversal in direction.
  • A high probability inversion fair value gap is identified, indicating that if the market respects this level, it could lead to further downward movement.

Recognizing Inefficiencies

  • Traders should highlight inefficiencies created by large candles without overlap with prior candles; these imbalances can signal future price movements.
  • During periods of consolidation, it's recommended to remain passive and observe market behavior rather than making impulsive trades based on breakouts.

Fair Value Gaps and Liquidity

  • The concept of fair value gaps acting as inversion points is discussed; when prices run above these gaps, they often need to return below them before moving lower again.
  • Emphasis is placed on focusing only on significant price action from 6:00 AM onwards and delineating key times (7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM) on charts for clarity.

Charting Techniques and Observations

  • Charts should be simplified post 7:00 AM with annotations highlighting relative equal highs and lows using straight lines for better visual representation.
  • Traders are encouraged to document observations about price reactions at specific levels in their trading journals for future reference and learning reinforcement.

Reflecting on Trade Decisions

  • If significant movement has occurred within a range already tested multiple times, it may not be wise to enter new trades due to low probability outcomes.
  • Journaling thoughts about specific movements helps reinforce memory of important levels when reviewing past charts during subsequent trading sessions.

Understanding Emotional Management in Trading

The Importance of Positive Chart Annotation

  • Annotating charts positively allows traders to reflect on their performance without regret, focusing on useful information rather than negative criticism.
  • This approach helps manage emotions like fear and greed, preventing a mindset fixated on missed opportunities.

Personal Reflection on Self-Criticism

  • The speaker shares personal experiences of self-punishment through journaling, realizing that harsh self-criticism hindered their trading development.
  • Understanding how to treat oneself after trades—regardless of outcomes—is crucial for emotional growth and skill development.

Managing Expectations and Responsibilities

  • Traders must recognize the responsibility they hold in managing their expectations; impulsive trading can lead to financial loss similar to gambling.
  • Establishing clear expectations regarding price movements at specific times is essential for effective trading strategies.

Analyzing Market Movements

  • Observing market behavior during the first 30 minutes post-market opens (7:00, 8:00, 9:00 AM) is critical for identifying potential manipulation patterns.
  • If relative equal highs or lows are present, traders should anticipate moves contrary to those levels within the initial timeframe.

Utilizing Fibonacci Analysis

  • After market movements occur, measuring price swings using Fibonacci retracement can help traders understand potential ranges and targets.
  • Setting Fibonacci parameters based on high and low points at different times provides insights into expected price behavior without relying solely on average daily range metrics.

Practical Application of Range Finding

  • By analyzing historical data with Fibonacci settings from various timeframes (7:00, 8:00), traders can gauge realistic price movement expectations.
  • Incorporating real range analysis enhances understanding of market dynamics beyond mere mathematical calculations.

Conclusion on Trade Execution Strategies

  • When entering trades, it's vital to determine appropriate exit points based on probability rather than fixed targets; flexibility in strategy leads to better outcomes.

Understanding Market Strategies

Key Concepts in Market Structure and Liquidity

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding market structure, focusing on expansion below it while referencing specific time elements. They do not require the highest high or lowest low but seek convergence with old highs or lows.
  • Relative equal highs and lows are crucial for identifying liquidity pools. The model being discussed requires looking for these formations after 7:00 AM to target liquidity draws.
  • A directional bias is established based on market movements, particularly focusing on sell-side and buy-side efficiencies. Observing down close big range candles is essential for analysis.

Analyzing Historical Data

  • The process involves reviewing charts daily from Monday to Friday, culminating in a weekend review of the past week’s data. This should be done using the lowest one-minute chart while considering relevant higher time frames.
  • Once a directional bias is determined (either lower or higher), traders must commit to that direction even if it initially goes against them, highlighting the need for patience and adherence to strategy.

Managing Expectations and Trading Psychology

  • Traders often expect perfect outcomes; however, sticking with an idea despite potential losses is critical. The speaker warns against rushing into trades prematurely due to overconfidence.
  • Flexibility in trading strategies is necessary as no model guarantees success. Anticipating setups can lead to mistakes; waiting for clear signals is advised.

Focused Market Analysis Techniques

  • Social media influences can create excitement around certain ideas; however, this should be viewed cautiously as it may lead traders away from their methodologies.
  • Entering trades without proper setup can result in losses. It’s important to focus on current market conditions rather than fear missing out on opportunities.

Visualizing Market Movements

  • Emphasis is placed on observing large range candles (CBIEs). These indicators help identify potential market movements towards liquidity areas.
  • When analyzing price action, zooming out can provide clarity. A broader view helps recognize patterns that may not be obvious when closely focused on minute details.

Identifying Potential Trade Opportunities

  • Recognizing disruptions in price movement indicates potential reversal patterns. Understanding concepts like breakers and fair value gaps aids in making informed trading decisions.

Understanding Trading Psychology and Strategy

Identifying Value Gaps and Entry Models

  • Understanding value gaps in trading is crucial for identifying potential market movements. Keeping a journal of observations helps traders recognize patterns over time.
  • An entry model is defined by the catalyst that influences a trader's decision to enter a trade, focusing on the anticipated price movement relative to stop-loss levels.
  • Traders should aim for reasonable risk-to-reward ratios rather than excessively high multiples. Anticipating price fluctuations is essential for effective trading strategies.

Managing Emotions and Overtrading

  • The adrenaline rush from seeing favorable price movements can lead to overtrading, especially in demo accounts where real stakes are not involved.
  • Finding satisfaction in trading comes from restraint; excessive trading can detract from long-term success. Contentment with fewer trades is emphasized as key to successful trading.

The Illusion of External Validation

  • Traders often seek validation from others regarding their successes, but this external affirmation does not equate to personal satisfaction or accomplishment.
  • The emotional high experienced during successful trades can create an addictive cycle, leading traders to chase similar feelings rather than focusing on disciplined strategies.

Self-management and Business Mindset

  • Traders must adopt a business-like approach, managing their own "corporation" by taking responsibility for all aspects of their trading journey.
  • Maintaining positivity while filtering out negativity is vital. Emotional highs can cloud judgment, leading to poor decision-making if not managed properly.

Routine and Discipline in Trading

  • Consistency and routine are critical; traders should strive for a monotonous approach that minimizes emotional involvement in trades.
  • Viewing trading as a business helps reduce anxiety about performance. Successful businesses operate based on established models without being overly concerned about immediate outcomes.

Understanding Trading Mindset and Strategy

The Importance of Real Experience in Trading

  • Emphasizes the necessity of learning to trade with real money, even if it's a small account, as many mentors lack practical experience.
  • Warns against relying on advice from those who do not have proven success in trading, highlighting the need for self-protection from misleading influences.

Guarding Against Misleading Influences

  • Discusses how some individuals seek significance by claiming to help others without having any real accolades or knowledge.
  • Stresses that trading is about hard work and understanding market logic rather than relying on indicators or automated systems.

Recognizing Market Conditions

  • Advises traders to avoid forcing trades when market conditions are unclear; emphasizes patience and waiting for obvious opportunities.
  • Explains that successful trading involves recognizing when odds are in one's favor, akin to gambling strategies.

Utilizing Sentiment Analysis

  • Shares personal strategies of using social media sentiment as a gauge for market direction, observing public opinion before making trades.
  • Highlights the importance of contrasting personal trade ideas with general public sentiment to validate or reconsider trading decisions.

The Role of Public Perception in Trading Decisions

  • Describes how sharing trade ideas publicly can influence perceptions and outcomes, noting that attention from others can reinforce confidence in a strategy.

Understanding Trading Emotions and Responsibilities

The Burden of Responsibility in Trading

  • The speaker expresses a willingness to accept being wrong in trading decisions, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability.
  • Acknowledges respect for fellow streamers who openly share their opinions, highlighting the courage it takes to do so.
  • Discusses the emotional burden of trading with others' money, stressing that he cannot function under such pressure.

Managing Expectations and Financial Security

  • The speaker advises Caleb on balancing his channel's income with his job, suggesting that even partial financial support is beneficial while learning.
  • Emphasizes the need for consistent income before considering quitting a job, advocating for two years of savings as a safety net.

The Challenges of Full-Time Trading

  • Warns against quitting a job prematurely; doing so complicates trading by making it necessary to rely solely on trading profits for living expenses.
  • Highlights the difficulty of managing emotions when trading becomes a primary source of income.

Recognizing Emotional Triggers in Trading

  • Points out how new traders can be influenced by social media hype, leading them to make impulsive decisions based on excitement rather than sound judgment.
  • Describes physical symptoms (like increased heart rate and stress hormones) that can arise from high-pressure trading situations.

Importance of Self-Awareness in Trading Decisions

  • Advises traders to acknowledge when they are uncertain about market movements instead of feeling pressured to provide predictions.

Understanding Trading Mindset and Strategies

The Importance of Personal Trading Models

  • Traders can develop unique models based on price ranges from specific hours, such as 7:00 to 8:00 AM, rather than aiming for unrealistic daily gains.
  • Some successful traders focus on one contract and consistently earn significant monthly income without needing to increase their trading volume.

Maturity in Trading Practices

  • Successful traders demonstrate maturity by adhering to their strategies and understanding their personal limits, avoiding the pressure to impress others.
  • Many social media influencers may not achieve the same level of consistent profit as some disciplined traders who stick to simple setups.

Managing Expectations and Emotions

  • New traders should set realistic goals; even small profits can be significant compared to traditional job earnings.
  • It's common for beginners to experience emotional challenges that affect trading decisions; recognizing this is crucial for growth.

Analyzing Market Behavior

  • Traders must accept that initial results may be poor; learning from these experiences is part of the journey toward success.
  • Emotional baggage can influence trading performance, leading individuals to make irrational decisions based on external frustrations.

Technical Analysis Techniques

  • Understanding market inefficiencies and fair value gaps is essential for making informed trade entries and managing stop placements.
  • Real-time chart analysis is critical; relying solely on market replay lacks the dynamic nature necessary for effective trading practice.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

  • Consistent profitability requires ongoing exposure to live price action; skipping this step often leads to failure in developing effective trading skills.
  • Traders should recognize numerous opportunities throughout the day instead of fixating on large runs or single trades.

Understanding Trading Phenomena and Expectations

The Nature of Trading Phenomena

  • Trading phenomena occur at specific times and frequencies, repeating over weeks, months, and years as long as there is a market. However, not all trading opportunities will be profitable; the majority may yield average results.

Setting Realistic Expectations

  • It’s crucial to set realistic expectations in trading. Perfection should not be anticipated; challenges and difficulties are inherent in the process.
  • Many individuals may feel entitled to success due to their background or resources but must still endure the uncertainty of outcomes in trading.

The Process of Becoming a Trader

  • There are no shortcuts in trading; every successful trader has gone through similar processes. Commitment to learning and practice is essential.
  • Traders must accept responsibility for their trades, including understanding potential losses when entering positions.

Humility and Character in Trading

  • Young traders often seek validation through profitability but should focus on humility instead. Seeking recognition can lead to character flaws.
  • A humble approach involves recognizing one's blessings without belittling others or seeking superiority based on achievements.

Contentment Over Competition

  • True success lies in being content with personal progress rather than competing with others. Avoiding drama and competition leads to a healthier trading mindset.
  • Traders do not owe explanations about their performance to anyone, including family or social media followers. Sharing updates should be done tactfully without creating feelings of inferiority among peers.

Embracing Individual Journeys

  • Each trader's journey is unique; rushing towards profitability can lead to unnecessary stress. It's important to take time for personal growth.
  • Competing against peers for quick success can be detrimental; patience is key as everyone progresses at their own pace.

Analyzing Market Movements

  • Observations about market movements indicate that certain patterns repeat consistently, providing insights into future price actions.
  • Successful traders recognize when to step back from the market after achieving desired outcomes for the day, emphasizing contentment with daily gains rather than chasing further profits.

Understanding Price Delivery Continuum Theory

Analyzing the 15-Second Chart

  • The speaker highlights the five-minute price run and indicates an immediate rebalance on the 15-second chart, emphasizing visual representation for clarity.
  • Discussion shifts to annotating expectations on the one-minute chart, introducing the concept of Price Delivery Continuum Theory, which suggests a gravitational pull of price towards certain levels.

Market Fractals and Trading Strategies

  • The speaker explains that markets are fractal, providing setups across different time frames. Once opportunities in a time frame are exhausted, traders should avoid chasing prices.
  • A cautionary note is given about pyramiding trades; while it can be tempting to add to winning trades, it's challenging and requires discipline.

Building Consistency in Trading

  • Emphasis is placed on starting with small trades to build consistency and skill. This foundational approach helps traders adhere to rules without succumbing to greed.
  • The speaker warns against seeking larger trades for social validation, noting that initial excitement fades quickly as profitability becomes routine.

Realistic Expectations in Trading

  • Making $1,000 a week trading is highlighted as a significant achievement. However, if one only makes $200 initially, this should not be viewed as failure but rather part of the learning process.
  • The discussion includes market behavior where prices may return to previous highs or lows after rapid movements.

Understanding Market Algorithms

  • Explanation of how market algorithms work by referring back to key price points during sudden price runs. These algorithms operate at high speeds across various time frames.
  • A visual representation is introduced to illustrate how prices gravitate towards specific levels based on algorithmic calculations and inefficiencies in buying offers.

High-Frequency Trading Dynamics

  • The speaker discusses circuit breakers in trading that halt activity when prices drop too rapidly. High-frequency trading algorithms seek out inefficiencies during these pauses.

Understanding Market Dynamics and Price Movements

The Relationship Between Volume and Price

  • The concept that "volume precedes price" is emphasized, indicating that significant trading volume often occurs before notable price movements.
  • Discovery of price levels outside the established range leads to varying volumes; buy stops above a certain level result in thinner volume as prices rise.
  • Algorithms continuously adjust prices higher due to persistent market orders, regardless of individual trader sentiment or actions.

Market Orders and Liquidity

  • The presence of constant market orders ensures liquidity, compelling algorithms to offer higher prices consistently.
  • Large investment firms may claim influence over price movements, but they operate within the same market dynamics as all traders.

Limit Moves and Contract Dynamics

  • A single contract can trigger a limit-up move in the market, illustrating how price orientation rather than sheer volume dictates such changes.
  • Time and price are critical factors in understanding market behavior; inefficiencies can be addressed by observing immediate rebounds after price drops.

Trading Strategies and Execution

  • Identifying areas with high expected volume allows for strategic entry points; traders should focus on efficient execution without fear or greed influencing decisions.
  • Successful trading involves recognizing where liquidity is likely to be found while avoiding emotional decision-making during trades.

Common Pitfalls Among Traders

  • Many traders exit positions prematurely due to emotional responses rather than sticking to their planned targets, leading to missed opportunities for larger gains.

Understanding Day Trading Strategies

Key Concepts in Day Trading

  • The speaker discusses the importance of timing and strategy in day trading, emphasizing that one must earn the title of "number one day trader" through consistent performance.
  • A down closed candle within a fair value gap is identified as a potential buying opportunity, illustrating how traders can leverage specific chart patterns for entry points.
  • The speaker highlights the significance of using shorter time frames (15-second charts) to identify numerous entry opportunities that are not visible on longer time frames like one minute.

Algorithmic Trading Insights

  • The discussion shifts to algorithmic trading, where the market's movements are driven by algorithms rather than individual traders' actions. This challenges traditional views on supply and demand dynamics.
  • The speaker expresses confidence in their predictive abilities regarding market movements, suggesting that many retail traders may not fully understand or accept this perspective.

Practical Trading Techniques

  • A live stream session is proposed where different trading perspectives could be discussed, showcasing the speaker's willingness to engage with critics and demonstrate their strategies in real-time.
  • Emphasis is placed on understanding price action before implementing tighter stop losses. New traders should focus on reading price effectively before managing risk with smaller stops.

Market Behavior Analysis

  • The concept of "draw" is introduced, explaining how markets often revisit previous highs and lows. Recognizing these patterns can enhance trading decisions.
  • The speaker uses an analogy comparing market behavior to an unwanted guest at a cookout, illustrating how markets disrupt established levels to create new opportunities for profit.

Conclusion and Engagement

Video description

Government Required Risk Disclaimer and Disclosure Statement CFTC RULE 4.41 – HYPOTHETICAL OR SIMULATED PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE CERTAIN LIMITATIONS. UNLIKE AN ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, SIMULATED RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL TRADING. ALSO, SINCE THE TRADES HAVE NOT BEEN EXECUTED, THE RESULTS MAY HAVE UNDER-OR-OVER COMPENSATED FOR THE IMPACT, IF ANY, OF CERTAIN MARKET FACTORS, SUCH AS LACK OF LIQUIDITY. SIMULATED TRADING PROGRAMS IN GENERAL ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFIT OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN Trading performance displayed herein is hypothetical. Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. In fact, there are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance trading results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk in actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program in spite of trading losses are material points which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results and all of which can adversely affect actual trading results. U.S. Government Required Disclaimer – Commodity Futures Trading Commission Futures and Options trading has large potential rewards, but also large potential risk. You must be aware of the risks and be willing to accept them in order to invest in the futures and options markets. Don’t trade with money you can’t afford to lose. This is neither a solicitation nor an offer to Buy/Sell futures or options. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those discussed on this web site. The past performance of any trading system or methodology is not necessarily indicative of future results. Trade at your own risk. The information provided here is of the nature of a general comment only and neither purports nor intends to be, specific trading advice. It has been prepared without regard to any particular person’s investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Information should not be considered as an offer or enticement to buy, sell or trade. You should seek appropriate advice from your broker, or licensed investment advisor, before taking any action. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Simulated performance results contain inherent limitations. Unlike actual performance records the results may under or over compensate for such factors such as lack of liquidity. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses to those shown. The risk of loss in trading can be substantial. You should therefore carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. If you purchase or sell Equities, Futures, Currencies or Options you may sustain a total loss of the initial margin funds and any additional funds that you deposit with your broker to establish or maintain your position. If the market moves against your position, you may be called upon by your broker to deposit a substantial amount of additional margin funds, on short notice in order to maintain your position. If you do not provide the required funds within the prescribed time, your position may be liquidated at a loss, and you may be liable for any resulting deficit in your account. Under certain market conditions, you may find it difficult or impossible to liquidate a position. This can occur, for example, when the market makes a “limit move.” The placement of contingent orders by you, such as a “stop-loss” or “stop-limit” order, will not necessarily limit your losses to the intended amounts, since market conditions may make it impossible to execute such orders.