Institutional Zone Detector [Scalping-Algo]█ OVERVIEW
The Institutional Zone Detector identifies key supply and demand zones where large market participants (institutions, banks, hedge funds) have likely placed significant orders. These zones often act as powerful support and resistance levels, making them strategic areas for trade entries and exits.
This indicator is non-repainting, meaning once a signal appears on your chart, it will never disappear or change position. What you see in backtesting is exactly what you would have seen in real-time.
█ CORE CONCEPT
Markets move when large players execute substantial orders. These orders leave footprints in the form of specific candlestick patterns:
Demand Zones (Bullish)
When institutions accumulate positions, we often see a bearish candle followed by a strong bullish sequence. The last bearish candle before this move marks the demand zone - an area where buying pressure overwhelmed sellers.
Supply Zones (Bearish)
When institutions distribute positions, we typically see a bullish candle followed by a strong bearish sequence. The last bullish candle before this move marks the supply zone - an area where selling pressure overwhelmed buyers.
Price has a tendency to revisit these zones, offering potential trade opportunities.
█ HOW IT WORKS
The indicator scans for:
1. A potential zone candle (bearish for demand, bullish for supply)
2. A sequence of consecutive candles in the opposite direction
3. Optional: A minimum percentage move to filter weak signals
When all conditions are met, the zone is marked on your chart with:
• Upper and lower boundaries (solid lines)
• Equilibrium/midpoint level (cross marker)
• Extended channel lines for easy visualization
█ SETTINGS
Consecutive Candles Required (Default: 5)
Number of same-direction candles needed after the zone candle to confirm the pattern. Higher values = fewer but stronger signals.
Minimum Move Threshold % (Default: 0.0)
Minimum percentage price movement required to validate a zone. Increase this to filter out weak moves and focus on significant institutional activity.
Display Full Candle Range (Default: Off)
• Off: Shows Open-to-Low for demand zones, Open-to-High for supply zones
• On: Shows complete High-to-Low range of the zone candle
Show Demand/Supply Zone Channel (Default: On)
Toggle extended horizontal lines that project the zone levels across your chart.
Visual Theme (Default: Dark)
Choose between Dark (white/blue) or Light (green/red) color schemes.
Show Statistics Panel (Default: Off)
Displays a floating panel with exact price levels of the most recent zones.
Display Info Tooltip (Default: Off)
Shows an information label with indicator documentation.
█ HOW TO USE
Entry Strategies
1. Zone Bounce (Mean Reversion)
• Wait for price to return to a previously identified zone
• Look for rejection candles (pin bars, engulfing patterns) at zone levels
• Enter in the direction of the original zone (long at demand, short at supply)
• Place stops beyond the zone boundary
2. Zone Break (Momentum)
• When price breaks through a zone with strong momentum
• The broken zone often becomes the opposite type (broken demand becomes supply)
• Use for trend continuation trades
3. Equilibrium Trades
• The midpoint (cross marker) often acts as a magnet for price
• Can be used as a first target or as an entry point for scaled positions
Risk Management
• Always place stop-loss orders beyond zone boundaries
• Consider the zone width when calculating position size
• Wider zones = wider stops = smaller position size
• Use the equilibrium level for partial profit taking
Best Practices
• Higher timeframes produce more reliable zones
• Zones on multiple timeframes (confluence) are stronger
• Fresh/untested zones are more powerful than zones that have been touched multiple times
• Combine with other analysis methods (trend direction, volume, market structure)
█ ALERTS
Two alert conditions are available:
• "Demand Zone Identified" - Triggers when a new demand zone is detected
• "Supply Zone Identified" - Triggers when a new supply zone is detected
To set up alerts: Click on the indicator name → Add Alert → Select condition
█ IMPORTANT NOTES
• This indicator is a tool for analysis, not a complete trading system
• Signals are NOT automatic buy/sell recommendations
• Always use proper risk management
• Past performance does not guarantee future results
• Works on all markets and timeframes
• Non-repainting: Signals appear only after bar close confirmation
█ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Inspired by institutional order flow concepts and smart money trading methodologies. Built with a focus on reliability and practical application.
Tìm kiếm tập lệnh với "supply and demand"
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.
Rocky's Dynamic DikFat Supply & Demand ZonesDynamic Supply & Demand Zones
Overview
The Dynamic Supply & Demand Zones indicator identifies key supply and demand levels on your chart by detecting pivot highs and lows. It draws customizable boxes around these zones, helping traders visualize areas where price may react. With flexible display options and dynamic box behavior, this tool is designed to assist in identifying potential support and resistance levels for various trading strategies.
Key Features
Pivot-Based Zones: Automatically detects supply (resistance) and demand (support) zones using pivot highs and lows on the chart’s timeframe.
Dynamic Box Sizing: Boxes shrink when price enters them, reflecting reduced zone strength, and stop adjusting once price fully crosses through.
Customizable Display: Choose to show current-day boxes, historical boxes, or all boxes, with an option to update past box colors dynamically.
Session-Based Extension: Boxes can extend to the current bar or stop at 4:00 PM of the creation day’s 9:30 AM–4:00 PM trading session (ideal for stock markets).
Color Coding: Borders change color based on price position:
Green for demand zones (price above the box).
Red for supply zones (price below the box).
White for neutral zones (price inside the box).
User-Friendly Inputs: Adjust pivot lookback periods, box visibility, extension behavior, and colors via intuitive input settings.
How It Works
Zone Detection: The indicator uses pivot highs and lows to define supply and demand zones, plotting boxes between these levels.
Box Behavior:
Boxes are created when pivot highs and lows are confirmed, with no overlap with the previous box.
When price enters a box, it shrinks to reflect interaction, stopping once price exits completely.
Boxes can extend to the current bar or end at 4:00 PM of the creation day (or next trading day if created after 4:00 PM or on weekends).
Display Options:
Current Only: Shows boxes created on the current day.
Historical Only: Shows boxes from previous days, with optional color updates.
All Boxes: Shows all boxes, with an option to hide historical box color updates.
Performance: Limits the number of boxes to 200 to ensure smooth performance, removing older boxes as needed.
Inputs
Pivot Look Right/Left: Set the number of bars (default: 2) to confirm pivot highs and lows.
What Boxes to Show: Select Current Only, Historical Only, or All Boxes (default: Current Only).
Boxes On/Off: Toggle box visibility (default: on).
Extend Boxes to Current Bar: Choose whether boxes extend to the current bar or stop at 4:00 PM (default: off, stops at 4:00 PM).
Update Past Box Colors: Enable/disable color updates for historical boxes (default: on).
Demand/Supply/Neutral Box Color: Customize border colors (default: green, red, white).
How to Use
Add the indicator to your chart.
Adjust inputs to match your trading style (e.g., pivot lookback, box extension, colors).
Use the boxes to identify potential support (demand) and resistance (supply) zones:
Green-bordered boxes (price above) may act as support.
Red-bordered boxes (price below) may act as resistance.
White-bordered boxes (price inside) indicate active price interaction.
Combine with other analysis tools (e.g., trendlines, indicators) to confirm trade setups.
Monitor box shrinking to gauge zone strength and watch for breakouts when price fully crosses a box.
Understanding Supply and Demand in Stock Trading
In stock trading, supply and demand are fundamental forces driving price movements. Demand refers to the willingness of buyers to purchase a stock at a given price, often creating support levels where buying interest prevents further price declines. Supply represents the willingness of sellers to offload a stock, forming resistance levels where selling pressure halts price increases. These zones are critical because they highlight areas where significant buying or selling activity has occurred, influencing future price behavior.
The importance of supply and demand lies in their ability to reveal where institutional traders, with large orders, have entered or exited the market. Demand zones, often seen at pivot lows, indicate strong buying interest and potential areas for price reversals or bounces. Supply zones, typically at pivot highs, signal heavy selling and possible reversal points for downward moves. By identifying these zones, traders can anticipate where price is likely to stall, reverse, or break out, enabling better entry and exit decisions. This indicator visualizes these zones as dynamic boxes, making it easier to spot high-probability trading opportunities while emphasizing the core market dynamics of supply and demand.
Feedback
This indicator is designed to help traders visualize supply and demand zones effectively. If you have suggestions for improvements, please share your feedback in the comments!
Ultra Supply & DemandThe "Ultra Supply & Demand" indicator is a sophisticated tool designed for traders looking to analyze market sentiment and potential price movements with a focus on supply and demand dynamics. It overlays on the chart to visually represent areas of supply and demand, providing insights into market liquidity levels and potential reversal points.
Dynamic Supply & Demand Zones: Automatically identifies and displays supply and demand zones based on trading volume and price action patterns. These zones are color-coded for easy identification and can be customized according to user preferences.
Volume-Based Analysis: Utilizes volume data to calculate supply and demand volumes, offering a deeper understanding of market strength behind these zones. Users can set a threshold for volume to filter out less significant signals.
Customizable Liquidation Levels: Offers three predefined liquidation level settings ("1st Touch," "Middle," "Fully") to help traders determine the depth of supply and demand zones. Users can also customize these settings to fit their trading strategy.
Real-time Updates: Continuously updates supply and demand zones as new bars form, ensuring that the information remains current and relevant throughout the trading session.
User-friendly Interface: Provides clear visual cues through color coding and labels, making it easier for traders to interpret the market conditions at a glance. Volume data can be displayed alongside the zones for added context.
Usage Instructions:
Add the Ultra Supply & Demand indicator to your chart.
Customize the indicator settings according to your trading style and preferences, including the display of volume, liquidation levels, and color schemes.
Observe the supply and demand zones on the chart. Look for divergences between price action and the indicator's zones as potential trade setups.
Combine the indicator with other technical analysis tools and indicators to confirm trade signals and enhance your decision-making process.
Multiple Naked LevelsPURPOSE OF THE INDICATOR
This indicator autogenerates and displays naked levels and gaps of multiple types collected into one simple and easy to use indicator.
VALUE PROPOSITION OF THE INDICATOR AND HOW IT IS ORIGINAL AND USEFUL
1) CONVENIENCE : The purpose of this indicator is to offer traders with one coherent and robust indicator providing useful, valuable, and often used levels - in one place.
2) CLUSTERS OF CONFLUENCES : With this indicator it is easy to identify levels and zones on the chart with multiple confluences increasing the likelihood of a potential reversal zone.
THE TYPES OF LEVELS AND GAPS INCLUDED IN THE INDICATOR
The types of levels include the following:
1) PIVOT levels (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) depicted in the chart as: dnPIV, wnPIV, mnPIV.
2) POC (Point of Control) levels (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) depicted in the chart as: dnPoC, wnPoC, mnPoC.
3) VAH/VAL STD 1 levels (Value Area High/Low with 1 std) (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) depicted in the chart as: dnVAH1/dnVAL1, wnVAH1/wnVAL1, mnVAH1/mnVAL1
4) VAH/VAL STD 2 levels (Value Area High/Low with 2 std) (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) depicted in the chart as: dnVAH2/dnVAL2, wnVAH2/wnVAL2, mnVAH1/mnVAL2
5) FAIR VALUE GAPS (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) depicted in the chart as: dnFVG, wnFVG, mnFVG.
6) CME GAPS (Daily) depicted in the chart as: dnCME.
7) EQUILIBRIUM levels (Daily/Weekly/Monthly) depicted in the chart as dnEQ, wnEQ, mnEQ.
HOW-TO ACTIVATE LEVEL TYPES AND TIMEFRAMES AND HOW-TO USE THE INDICATOR
You can simply choose which of the levels to be activated and displayed by clicking on the desired radio button in the settings menu.
You can locate the settings menu by clicking into the Object Tree window, left-click on the Multiple Naked Levels and select Settings.
You will then get a menu of different level types and timeframes. Click the checkboxes for the level types and timeframes that you want to display on the chart.
You can then go into the chart and check out which naked levels that have appeared. You can then use those levels as part of your technical analysis.
The levels displayed on the chart can serve as additional confluences or as part of your overall technical analysis and indicators.
In order to back-test the impact of the different naked levels you can also enable tapped levels to be depicted on the chart. Do this by toggling the 'Show tapped levels' checkbox.
Keep in mind however that Trading View can not shom more than 500 lines and text boxes so the indocator will not be able to give you the complete history back to the start for long duration assets.
In order to clean up the charts a little bit there are two additional settings that can be used in the Settings menu:
- Selecting the price range (%) from the current price to be included in the chart. The default is 25%. That means that all levels below or above 20% will not be displayed. You can set this level yourself from 0 up to 100%.
- Selecting the minimum gap size to include on the chart. The default is 1%. That means that all gaps/ranges below 1% in price difference will not be displayed on the chart. You can set the minimum gap size yourself.
BASIC DESCRIPTION OF THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE INDICTATOR
The way the indicator works is that it calculates and identifies all levels from the list of levels type and timeframes above. The indicator then adds this level to a list of untapped levels.
Then for each bar after, it checks if the level has been tapped. If the level has been tapped or a gap/range completely filled, this level is removed from the list so that the levels displayed in the end are only naked/untapped levels.
Below is a descrition of each of the level types and how it is caluclated (algorithm):
PIVOT
Daily, Weekly and Monthly levels in trading refer to significant price points that traders monitor within the context of a single trading day. These levels can provide insights into market behavior and help traders make informed decisions regarding entry and exit points.
Traders often use D/W/M levels to set entry and exit points for trades. For example, entering long positions near support (daily close) or selling near resistance (daily close).
Daily levels are used to set stop-loss orders. Placing stops just below the daily close for long positions or above the daily close for short positions can help manage risk.
The relationship between price movement and daily levels provides insights into market sentiment. For instance, if the price fails to break above the daily high, it may signify bearish sentiment, while a strong breakout can indicate bullish sentiment.
The way these levels are calculated in this indicator is based on finding pivots in the chart on D/W/M timeframe. The level is then set to previous D/W/M close = current D/W/M open.
In addition, when price is going up previous D/W/M open must be smaller than previous D/W/M close and current D/W/M close must be smaller than the current D/W/M open. When price is going down the opposite.
POINT OF CONTROL
The Point of Control (POC) is a key concept in volume profile analysis, which is commonly used in trading.
It represents the price level at which the highest volume of trading occurred during a specific period.
The POC is derived from the volume traded at various price levels over a defined time frame. In this indicator the timeframes are Daily, Weekly, and Montly.
It identifies the price level where the most trades took place, indicating strong interest and activity from traders at that price.
The POC often acts as a significant support or resistance level. If the price approaches the POC from above, it may act as a support level, while if approached from below, it can serve as a resistance level. Traders monitor the POC to gauge potential reversals or breakouts.
The way the POC is calculated in this indicator is by an approximation by analysing intrabars for the respective timeperiod (D/W/M), assigning the volume for each intrabar into the price-bins that the intrabar covers and finally identifying the bin with the highest aggregated volume.
The POC is the price in the middle of this bin.
The indicator uses a sample space for intrabars on the Daily timeframe of 15 minutes, 35 minutes for the Weekly timeframe, and 140 minutes for the Monthly timeframe.
The indicator has predefined the size of the bins to 0.2% of the price at the range low. That implies that the precision of the calulated POC og VAH/VAL is within 0.2%.
This reduction of precision is a tradeoff for performance and speed of the indicator.
This also implies that the bigger the difference from range high prices to range low prices the more bins the algorithm will iterate over. This is typically the case when calculating the monthly volume profile levels and especially high volatility assets such as alt coins.
Sometimes the number of iterations becomes too big for Trading View to handle. In these cases the bin size will be increased even more to reduce the number of iterations.
In such cases the bin size might increase by a factor of 2-3 decreasing the accuracy of the Volume Profile levels.
Anyway, since these Volume Profile levels are approximations and since precision is traded for performance the user should consider the Volume profile levels(POC, VAH, VAL) as zones rather than pin point accurate levels.
VALUE AREA HIGH/LOW STD1/STD2
The Value Area High (VAH) and Value Area Low (VAL) are important concepts in volume profile analysis, helping traders understand price levels where the majority of trading activity occurs for a given period.
The Value Area High/Low is the upper/lower boundary of the value area, representing the highest price level at which a certain percentage of the total trading volume occurred within a specified period.
The VAH/VAL indicates the price point above/below which the majority of trading activity is considered less valuable. It can serve as a potential resistance/support level, as prices above/below this level may experience selling/buying pressure from traders who view the price as overvalued/undervalued
In this indicator the timeframes are Daily, Weekly, and Monthly. This indicator provides two boundaries that can be selected in the menu.
The first boundary is 70% of the total volume (=1 standard deviation from mean). The second boundary is 95% of the total volume (=2 standard deviation from mean).
The way VAH/VAL is calculated is based on the same algorithm as for the POC.
However instead of identifying the bin with the highest volume, we start from range low and sum up the volume for each bin until the aggregated volume = 30%/70% for VAL1/VAH1 and aggregated volume = 5%/95% for VAL2/VAH2.
Then we simply set the VAL/VAH equal to the low of the respective bin.
FAIR VALUE GAPS
Fair Value Gaps (FVG) is a concept primarily used in technical analysis and price action trading, particularly within the context of futures and forex markets. They refer to areas on a price chart where there is a noticeable lack of trading activity, often highlighted by a significant price movement away from a previous level without trading occurring in between.
FVGs represent price levels where the market has moved significantly without any meaningful trading occurring. This can be seen as a "gap" on the price chart, where the price jumps from one level to another, often due to a rapid market reaction to news, events, or other factors.
These gaps typically appear when prices rise or fall quickly, creating a space on the chart where no transactions have taken place. For example, if a stock opens sharply higher and there are no trades at the prices in between the two levels, it creates a gap. The areas within these gaps can be areas of liquidity that the market may return to “fill” later on.
FVGs highlight inefficiencies in pricing and can indicate areas where the market may correct itself. When the market moves rapidly, it may leave behind price levels that traders eventually revisit to establish fair value.
Traders often watch for these gaps as potential reversal or continuation points. Many traders believe that price will eventually “fill” the gap, meaning it will return to those price levels, providing potential entry or exit points.
This indicator calculate FVGs on three different timeframes, Daily, Weekly and Montly.
In this indicator the FVGs are identified by looking for a three-candle pattern on a chart, signalling a discrete imbalance in order volume that prompts a quick price adjustment. These gaps reflect moments where the market sentiment strongly leans towards buying or selling yet lacks the opposite orders to maintain price stability.
The indicator sets the gap to the difference from the high of the first bar to the low of the third bar when price is moving up or from the low of the first bar to the high of the third bar when price is moving down.
CME GAPS (BTC only)
CME gaps refer to price discrepancies that can occur in charts for futures contracts traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). These gaps typically arise from the fact that many futures markets, including those on the CME, operate nearly 24 hours a day but may have significant price movements during periods when the market is closed.
CME gaps occur when there is a difference between the closing price of a futures contract on one trading day and the opening price on the following trading day. This difference can create a "gap" on the price chart.
Opening Gaps: These usually happen when the market opens significantly higher or lower than the previous day's close, often influenced by news, economic data releases, or other market events occurring during non-trading hours.
Gaps can result from reactions to major announcements or developments, such as earnings reports, geopolitical events, or changes in economic indicators, leading to rapid price movements.
The importance of CME Gaps in Trading is the potential for Filling Gaps: Many traders believe that prices often "fill" gaps, meaning that prices may return to the gap area to establish fair value.
This can create potential trading opportunities based on the expectation of gap filling. Gaps can act as significant support or resistance levels. Traders monitor these levels to identify potential reversal points in price action.
The way the gap is identified in this indicator is by checking if current open is higher than previous bar close when price is moving up or if current open is lower than previous day close when price is moving down.
EQUILIBRIUM
Equilibrium in finance and trading refers to a state where supply and demand in a market balance each other, resulting in stable prices. It is a key concept in various economic and trading contexts. Here’s a concise description:
Market Equilibrium occurs when the quantity of a good or service supplied equals the quantity demanded at a specific price level. At this point, there is no inherent pressure for the price to change, as buyers and sellers are in agreement.
Equilibrium Price is the price at which the market is in equilibrium. It reflects the point where the supply curve intersects the demand curve on a graph. At the equilibrium price, the market clears, meaning there are no surplus goods or shortages.
In this indicator the equilibrium level is calculated simply by finding the midpoint of the Daily, Weekly, and Montly candles respectively.
NOTES
1) Performance. The algorithms are quite resource intensive and the time it takes the indicator to calculate all the levels could be 5 seconds or more, depending on the number of bars in the chart and especially if Montly Volume Profile levels are selected (POC, VAH or VAL).
2) Levels displayed vs the selected chart timeframe. On a timeframe smaller than the daily TF - both Daily, Weekly, and Monthly levels will be displayed. On a timeframe bigger than the daily TF but smaller than the weekly TF - the Weekly and Monthly levels will be display but not the Daily levels. On a timeframe bigger than the weekly TF but smaller than the monthly TF - only the Monthly levels will be displayed. Not Daily and Weekly.
CREDITS
The core algorithm for calculating the POC levels is based on the indicator "Naked Intrabar POC" developed by rumpypumpydumpy (https:www.tradingview.com/u/rumpypumpydumpy/).
The "Naked intrabar POC" indicator calculates the POC on the current chart timeframe.
This indicator (Multiple Naked Levels) adds two new features:
1) It calculates the POC on three specific timeframes, the Daily, Weekly, and Monthly timeframes - not only the current chart timeframe.
2) It adds functionaly by calculating the VAL and VAH of the volume profile on the Daily, Weekly, Monthly timeframes .
RedK_Supply/Demand Volume Viewer v1Background
============
VolumeViewer is a volume indicator, that offers a simple way to estimate the movement and balance (or lack of) of supply & demand volume based on the shape of the price bar. i put this together few years ago and i have a version of this published for another platform under different names (Directional Volume, BetterVolume) in case you come across them
what is V.Viewer
=====================
The idea here is to find a "simple proxy" for estimating the demand or supply portions of a volume bar - these 2 forces have the potential to affect the current price trend so we want an easy way to track them - or to understand if a stock is in accumulation or distribution - we want to do this without having access to Level II or bid/ask data, and without having to get into the complexity of exploring the lower timeframe price & volume data
- to achieve that, we depend on a simple assumption, that the volume associated with an up move is "demand" and the volume associated with a down move is "Supply". so we basically extrapolate these supply and demand values based on how the bar looks like - a full "green" price bar / candle will be considered 100% demand, and a full "red" price bar will be considered 100% supply - a bar that opens and closes at the same level will be 50/50 split between supply & demand.
- you may say this is a "too simple" of an assumption to make, but believe me, it works :) at least at the basic scenario we need here: i'm just exploring the volume movement and finding key levels - and it provides a good improvement compared to the classic way we see volume on a chart - which is still available here in VolumeViewer.
in all cases, i consider this to be work in progress, so i'd welcome any ideas to improve (without getting too complicated) - there's already a host of great volume-based indicators that will do the multi timeframe drill down, but that's not my scope here.
Technical Jargon & calculation
===========================
1. first we calculate a score % for the volume portion that is considered demand based on the bar shape
skip this part if it sounds too technical => if you're into coding indicators, you would probably know there are couple of different concepts for that algorithm - for example, the one used in Balance Of Power formula - which i'm a big fan of - but the one i use here is different. (how?) this is my own, ant it simply applies double weight for the "wick" parts of a price bar compared to the "body of the bar" -- i did some side-by-side comparison in past and decided this one works better. you can change it in the code if you like
2. after calculating the Bull vs Bears portion of volume, we take a moving average of both for the length you set, to come up with what we consider to be the Demand vs Supply - as usual, i use a weighted moving average (WMA) here.
3. the balance or net volume between these 2 lines is calculated, then we apply a final smoothing and that's the main plot we will get
4. being a very visual person, i did my best to build up the visuals in the correct order - then also to ensure the "study title" bar is properly organized and is simple and useful (Full Volume, Supply, Demand, Net Volume).
- i wish there was a way in Pine to hide a value that i still need to visually plot but don't want it showing its value on the study title bar, but couldn't find it. so the last plot value is repeated twice.
How to use
===========
- V.Viewer is set up to show the simplified view by default for simplicity. so when you first add it to a chart, you will get only the supply vs demand view you can see in the middle pane in the above chart
- Optional / detailed mode: go into the settings, and expose all other plots, you will be able to add the classic volume histogram, and the Supply / Demand lines - note these 2 lines will be overlay-ed on top of each other - this provides an easy way to see who is in control - especially if you change the display of these 2 lines into "area" style. This is what is showing in the lower pane in the above chart.
** Exploring Key Price Levels
- the premise is, at spots where there's big lack of balance, that's where to expect to find key price levels (support / resistance) and these price levels will come into play in future so can be used to set entry / exit targets for our trades - see the example in the AAPL chart where you can easily locate these "balance or reversal levels" using the tops/bottoms/zero-crossings from the Net Volume line
** Use for longer-term Price Analysis
- we can also use this simple indicator to gain more insights (at a high level) of the price in terms of accumulation vs distribution and if the sellers or buyers are in control - for example, in the above AAPL chart, V.Viewer tells us that buyers have been in control since October 19 - even during the recent drop, demand continued to be in play - compare that to DIS chart below for the same period, where it shows that the market was dumping DIS thru the weakness. DIS was bleeding red most of the time
Final thoughts
=============
- V.Viewer is an attempt to enhance the way we see and use Volume by leveraging the shape of the price bar to estimate volume supply & demand - and the Net between the 2
- it will work for stocks and other instruments as long as there's volume data
- note that V.Viewer does not track trend. each bar is taken in isolation of prior bars - the price may be going down and V.Viewer is showing supply going up (absorption scenario?) - so i suggest you do not use it to make decisions without consulting other trend / momentum indicators - of course this is a possible improvement idea, or can be implemented in another indicator, add in trend somehow, or maybe think of making this a +100 / -100 Oscillator .. feel free to play with these thoughts
- all thoughts welcome - if this is useful to you in your trading, please share with other trades here to learn from each other
- the code is commented - please feel free to use it as you like, or build things on top of it - but please continue to credit the author of this code :)
good luck!
-
Support Resistance Major/Minor [TradingFinder] Market Structure🔵 Introduction
Support and resistance levels are key concepts in technical analysis, serving as critical points where prices pause or reverse due to the interaction of supply and demand. These foundational elements in price action and classical technical analysis assist traders in understanding market behavior and making better trading decisions.
Support levels are zones where demand is strong enough to prevent further price declines, while resistance levels act as barriers that hinder price increases.
Support and resistance levels are divided into two main types: static and dynamic. Static levels are fixed horizontal lines on charts, formed based on historical price points, and are crucial due to repeated price reactions in these areas.
Dynamic levels, on the other hand, move with market trends and are often identified using tools like moving averages and trendlines. These levels are particularly useful for analyzing dynamic trends and identifying potential reversal points in financial markets.
The importance of support and resistance in technical analysis lies in their ability to pinpoint price reversal or continuation points. Professional traders use these levels to determine optimal entry and exit points and combine them with tools such as Fibonacci retracements or moving averages for precise strategies.
Detailed analysis of price behavior at these levels provides insights into trend strength and the likelihood of price breaks or reversals. By understanding these concepts, technical analysts can forecast future price movements and optimize their trading decisions using tools such as indicators and price action. Support and resistance levels, as a cornerstone of technical analysis, form the foundation for many trading strategies.
🔵 How to Use
The Static Support and Resistance Indicator is a vital tool for identifying significant price zones in financial markets. It automatically detects major and minor support and resistance levels in both short-term and long-term intervals, enabling traders to analyze price behavior accurately and develop optimal entry and exit strategies.
🟣 Major Long-Term Support and Resistance
Major Long-Term Support : The lowest price points recorded over long-term intervals that prevent further declines.
Major Long-Term Resistance : The highest price points in long-term intervals that limit further price increases.
🟣 Minor Long-Term Support and Resistance
Minor Long-Term Support : Temporary halts in price decline within a downtrend over long-term intervals.
Minor Long-Term Resistance : Short-term zones within long-term intervals where prices react negatively in an uptrend.
🟣 Major Short-Term Support and Resistance
Major Short-Term Support : The lowest price points in short-term intervals that act as barriers against sharp price drops.
Major Short-Term Resistance : The highest points in short-term intervals that prevent further price surges.
🟣 Minor Short-Term Support and Resistance
Minor Short-Term Support : Temporary halts in price decline within short-term downtrends.
Minor Short-Term Resistance : Zones where price reacts quickly and reverses in short-term uptrends.
🔵 Settings
Long Term S&R Pivot Period : Defines the interval for identifying long-term support and resistance levels (default: 21).
Short Term S&R Pivot Period : Defines the interval for identifying short-term support and resistance levels (default: 5).
🟣 Long-Term Lines
Major Line Display : Enable/disable major long-term lines.
Minor Line Display : Enable/disable minor long-term lines.
Major Line Colors : Green for support, red for resistance (long-term major levels).
Minor Line Colors : Light green for support, light red for resistance (long-term minor levels).
Major Line Style : Choose between solid, dotted, or dashed lines for major long-term levels.
Minor Line Style : Choose between solid, dotted, or dashed lines for minor long-term levels.
Major Line Width : Adjust the thickness of major long-term lines.
Minor Line Width : Adjust the thickness of minor long-term lines.
🟣 Short-Term Lines
Major Line Display : Enable/disable major short-term lines.
Minor Line Display : Enable/disable minor short-term lines.
Major Line Colors : Gray-green for support, gray-red for resistance (short-term major levels).
Minor Line Colors : Dark green for support, dark red for resistance (short-term minor levels).
Major Line Style : Choose between solid, dotted, or dashed lines for major short-term levels.
Minor Line Style : Choose between solid, dotted, or dashed lines for minor short-term levels.
Major Line Width : Adjust the thickness of major short-term lines.
Minor Line Width : Adjust the thickness of minor short-term lines.
🔵 Conclusion
Static support and resistance levels are among the most critical tools in technical analysis, helping traders identify key reversal or continuation points.
This indicator simplifies and enhances the analysis process by automatically detecting major and minor levels in both short-term and long-term intervals. It allows traders to customize settings to suit their trading strategies and analyze different market levels effectively.
Using this indicator improves price action analysis, enhances market understanding, and identifies trading opportunities. Applicable to all trading styles, from day trading to long-term investing, it is an essential tool for technical analysis.
Combining this indicator with other tools like trendlines, Fibonacci retracements, and moving averages enables comprehensive analysis and allows traders to navigate financial markets with greater confidence.
Indecisive and Explosive CandlesThe Explosive & Base Candle with Gaps Identifier is an indicator designed to enhance your market analysis by identifying critical candle types and gaps in price action. This tool aids traders in pinpointing zones of significant buyer-seller interaction and potential institutional activity, providing valuable insights for strategic trading decisions.
Main Features:
Base Candle Identification: This feature detects Base candles, also known as indecisive candles, within the price action. A Base candle is characterized by a body (the difference between the close and open prices) that is less than or equal to 50% of its total range (the difference between the high and low prices). These candles mark zones where buyers and sellers are evenly matched, highlighting areas of potential support and resistance.
Explosive Candle Identification: The indicator identifies Explosive candles, which are indicative of strong market moves often driven by institutional activity. An Explosive candle is defined by a body that is greater than 70% of its total range. Recognizing these candles helps traders spot significant momentum and potential breakout points.
Supply and Demand Zone Identification: Both Base and Explosive candles are essential for identifying supply and demand zones within the price action. These zones are crucial for traders to place their trades based on the likelihood of price reversals or continuations.
Gap Detection: The indicator also detects gaps, defined as the difference between the close price of one candle and the open price of the next. Gaps are significant because prices often return to these levels to "fill the gap," providing opportunities for traders to predict price movements and place strategic trades.
Visual Markings and Alerts: The indicator visually marks Base and Explosive candles as well as gaps directly on the chart, making them easily identifiable at a glance. Traders can also set customizable alerts to notify them when these key candle types and gaps appear, ensuring they never miss an important trading opportunity.
Customizable Settings: Tailor the indicator’s settings to match your trading style and preferences. Adjust the criteria for Base and Explosive candles, as well as how gaps are detected and displayed, to suit your specific analysis needs.
How to Use:
Add the Indicator: Apply the Explosive & Base Candle with Gaps Identifier to your TradingView chart.
Analyze Identified Zones: Observe the marked Base and Explosive candles and gaps to identify key areas of support, resistance, and potential price reversals or continuations.
Set Alerts: Customize and set alerts for the detection of Base candles, Explosive candles, and gaps to stay informed of critical market movements in real-time.
Integrate with Your Strategy: Use the insights provided by the indicator to enhance your existing trading strategy, improving your entry and exit points based on the identified supply and demand zones.
The Explosive & Base Candle with Gaps Identifier is an invaluable tool for traders aiming to refine their market analysis and make more informed trading decisions. By identifying critical areas of price action, this indicator supports traders in navigating the complexities of the financial markets with greater precision and confidence.
Order Block Drawing [TradingFinder]🔵 Introduction
Perhaps one of the most challenging tasks for Pine script developers (especially beginners) is properly drawing order blocks. While utilizing the latest technical analysis methods for "Price Action," beginners heavily rely on accurately plotting "Supply" and "Demand" zones, following concepts like "Smart Money Concept" and "ICT".
However, drawing "Order Blocks" may pose a challenge for developers. Therefore, to minimize bugs, increase accuracy, and speed up the process of coding order blocks, we have released the "Order Block Drawing" library.
Below, you can read more details about how to use this library.
Important :
This library has direct and indirect outputs. The indirect output includes the ranges of order blocks plotted on the chart. However, the direct output is a "Boolean" value that becomes "true" only when the price touches an order block, colloquially termed as "Mitigate." You can use this output for setting up alerts.
🔵 How to Use
First, you can add the library to your code as shown in the example below.
import TFlab/OrderBlockDrawing_TradingFinder/1
🟣Parameters
OBDrawing(OBType, TriggerCondition, DistalPrice, ProximalPrice, Index, OBValidDis, Show, ColorZone) =>
Parameters:
• OBType (string)
• TriggerCondition (bool)
• DistalPrice (float)
• ProximalPrice (float)
• Index (int)
• OBValidDis (int)
• Show (bool)
• ColorZone (color)
OBType : All order blocks are summarized into two types: "Supply" and "Demand." You should input your order block type in this parameter. Enter "Demand" for drawing demand zones and "Supply" for drawing supply zones.
TriggerCondition : Input the condition under which you want the order block to be drawn in this parameter.
DistalPrice : Generally, if each zone is formed by two lines, the farthest line from the price is termed "Distal." This input receives the price of the "Distal" line.
ProximalPrice : Generally, if each zone is formed by two lines, the nearest line to the price is termed "Proximal" line.
Index : This input receives the value of the "bar_index" at the beginning of the order block. You should store the "bar_index" value at the occurrence of the condition for the order block to be drawn and input it here.
OBValidDis : Order blocks continue to be drawn until a new order block is drawn or the order block is "Mitigate." You can specify how many candles after their initiation order blocks should continue. If you want no limitation, enter the number 4998.
Show : You may need to manage whether to display or hide order blocks. When this input is "On", order blocks are displayed, and when it's "Off", order blocks are not displayed.
ColorZone : You can input your preferred color for drawing order blocks.
🔵 Function Outputs
This function has only one output. This output is of type "Boolean" and becomes "true" only when the price touches an order block. Each order block can be touched only once and then loses its validity. You can use this output for alerts.
= Drawing.OBDrawing('Demand', Condition, Distal, Proximal, Index, 4998, true, Color)
Institutional Supply and Demand ZonesThis indicator aims to identify price levels where institutional investors have positioned their buy or sell orders. These buy orders establish "demand zones," while sell orders create "supply zones." Identifying these zones enables us to anticipate potential reversals in price trends, allowing us to profitably engage in these significant market movements alongside major institutions. These zones are formed when price action goes from balanced to imbalanced. These zones are based on orders. Unlike standard support and resistance levels, when price breaks below a demand zone or above a supply zone, these zones disappear from the chart.
Supply is formed by a green candle followed by a major red candle that is at least double the size of previous green candle. The zone is then charted from the open of the green candle to the highest point in the candle. Vice versa for a demand zone (red into green).
These zones are traded by:
1. Look for a volume spike in a zone
2. A trend/trendline break out of the zone
Order Block Overlapping Drawing [TradingFinder]🔵 Introduction
Technical analysis is a fundamental tool in financial markets, helping traders identify key areas on price charts to make informed trading decisions. The ICT (Inner Circle Trader) style, developed by Michael Huddleston, is one of the most advanced methods in this field.
It enables traders to precisely identify and exploit critical zones such as Order Blocks, Breaker Blocks, Fair Value Gaps (FVGs), and Inversion Fair Value Gaps (IFVGs).
To streamline and simplify the use of these key areas, a library has been developed in Pine Script, the scripting language for the TradingView platform. This library allows you to automatically detect overlapping zones between Order Blocks and other similar areas, and visually display them on your chart.
This tool is particularly useful for creating indicators like Balanced Price Range (BPR) and ICT Unicorn Model.
🔵 How to Use
This section explains how to use the Pine Script library. This library assists you in easily identifying and analyzing overlapping areas between Order Blocks and other zones, such as Breaker Blocks and Fair Value Gaps.
To add "Order Block Overlapping Drawing", you must first add the following code to your script.
import TFlab/OrderBlockOverlappingDrawing/1
🟣 Inputs
The library includes the "OBOverlappingDrawing" function, which you can use to detect and display overlapping zones. This function identifies and draws overlapping zones based on the Order Block type, trigger conditions, previous and current prices, and other relevant parameters.
🟣 Parameters
OBOverlappingDrawing(OBType , TriggerConditionOrigin, distalPrice_Pre, proximalPrice_Pre , distalPrice_Curr, proximalPrice_Curr, Index_Curr , OBValidGlobal, OBValidDis, MitigationLvL, ShowAll, Show, ColorZone) =>
OBType (string)
TriggerConditionOrigin (bool)
distalPrice_Pre (float)
proximalPrice_Pre (float)
distalPrice_Curr (float)
proximalPrice_Curr (float)
Index_Curr (int)
OBValidGlobal (bool)
OBValidDis (int)
MitigationLvL (string)
ShowAll (bool)
Show (bool)
ColorZone (color)
In this example, various parameters are defined to detect overlapping zones and draw them on the chart. Based on these settings, the overlapping areas will be automatically drawn on the chart.
OBType : All order blocks are summarized into two types: "Supply" and "Demand." You should input your Current order block type in this parameter. Enter "Demand" for drawing demand zones and "Supply" for drawing supply zones.
TriggerConditionOrigin : Input the condition under which you want the Current order block to be drawn in this parameter.
distalPrice_Pre : Generally, if each zone is formed by two lines, the farthest line from the price is termed Pervious "Distal." This input receives the price of the "Distal" line.
proximalPrice_Pre : Generally, if each zone is formed by two lines, the nearest line to the price is termed Previous "Proximal" line.
distalPrice_Curr : Generally, if each zone is formed by two lines, the farthest line from the price is termed Current "Distal." This input receives the price of the "Distal" line.
proximalPrice_Curr : Generally, if each zone is formed by two lines, the nearest line to the price is termed Current "Proximal" line.
Index_Curr : This input receives the value of the "bar_index" at the beginning of the order block. You should store the "bar_index" value at the occurrence of the condition for the Current order block to be drawn and input it here.
OBValidGlobal : This parameter is a boolean in which you can enter the condition that you want to execute to stop drawing the block order. If you do not have a special condition, you should set it to True.
OBValidDis : Order blocks continue to be drawn until a new order block is drawn or the order block is "Mitigate." You can specify how many candles after their initiation order blocks should continue. If you want no limitation, enter the number 4998.
MitigationLvL : This parameter is a string. Its inputs are one of "Proximal", "Distal" or "50 % OB" modes, which you can enter according to your needs. The "50 % OB" line is the middle line between distal and proximal.
ShowAll : This is a boolean parameter, if it is "true" the entire order of blocks will be displayed, and if it is "false" only the last block order will be displayed.
Show : You may need to manage whether to display or hide order blocks. When this input is "On", order blocks are displayed, and when it's "Off", order blocks are not displayed.
ColorZone : You can input your preferred color for drawing order blocks.
🟣 Output
Mitigation Alerts : This library allows you to leverage Mitigation Alerts to detect specific conditions that could lead to trend reversals. These alerts help you react promptly in your trades, ensuring better management of market shifts.
🔵 Conclusion
The Pine Script library provided is a powerful tool for technical analysis, especially in the ICT style. It enables you to detect overlapping zones between Order Blocks and other significant areas like Breaker Blocks and Fair Value Gaps, improving your trading strategies. By utilizing this tool, you can perform more precise analysis and manage risks effectively in your trades.
HDT CloudsHDT Clouds combines custom clouds such as the 200EMA/MA cloud indicator to create high confluence bounce zones when combined with VWAP. The HDT indicator combines various clouds with the Volume Weighted Average Price indicator and Standard Deviations which allow users to identify areas on the chart where the stock may reverse.
On smaller time frames, like the 5/15/30minute, the 200ema/ma cloud and VWAP (when sitting in the same relative area) creates pockets of supply or demand.
In addition, the various moving average clouds, such as the 8/9ema cloud and the 34/50ema cloud, create areas of supply and demand depending on the overall trend. If the stock is trending very strongly to the upside, the 8/9ema can be used as a potential bounce area. Whereas, if the stock is trending, but not quite as strong, the stock may have demand at the 34-50ema where the stock could see a potential bounce to the upside. What sets this indicator apart from other moving average clouds is the incorporation of VWAP/Standard Deviation and the combining of a 200EMA/MA indicator which creates a strong pocket of demand even on lower time frames such as the 5 or 15 minute time frame.
Volatility Risk Premium GOLD & SILVER 1.0ENGLISH
This indicator (V-R-P) calculates the (one month) Volatility Risk Premium for GOLD and SILVER.
V-R-P is the premium hedgers pay for over Realized Volatility for GOLD and SILVER options.
The premium stems from hedgers paying to insure their portfolios, and manifests itself in the differential between the price at which options are sold (Implied Volatility) and the volatility GOLD and SILVER ultimately realize (Realized Volatility).
I am using 30-day Implied Volatility (IV) and 21-day Realized Volatility (HV) as the basis for my calculation, as one month of IV is based on 30 calendaristic days and one month of HV is based on 21 trading days.
At first, the indicator appears blank and a label instructs you to choose which index you want the V-R-P to plot on the chart. Use the indicator settings (the sprocket) to choose one of the precious metals (or both).
Together with the V-R-P line, the indicator will show its one year moving average within a range of +/- 15% (which you can change) for benchmarking purposes. We should consider this range the “normalized” V-R-P for the actual period.
The Zero Line is also marked on the indicator.
Interpretation
When V-R-P is within the “normalized” range, … well... volatility and uncertainty, as it’s seen by the option market, is “normal”. We have a “premium” of volatility which should be considered normal.
When V-R-P is above the “normalized” range, the volatility premium is high. This means that investors are willing to pay more for options because they see an increasing uncertainty in markets.
When V-R-P is below the “normalized” range but positive (above the Zero line), the premium investors are willing to pay for risk is low, meaning they see decreasing uncertainty and risks in the market, but not by much.
When V-R-P is negative (below the Zero line), we have COMPLACENCY. This means investors see upcoming risk as being lower than what happened in the market in the recent past (within the last 30 days).
CONCEPTS :
Volatility Risk Premium
The volatility risk premium (V-R-P) is the notion that implied volatility (IV) tends to be higher than realized volatility (HV) as market participants tend to overestimate the likelihood of a significant market crash.
This overestimation may account for an increase in demand for options as protection against an equity portfolio. Basically, this heightened perception of risk may lead to a higher willingness to pay for these options to hedge a portfolio.
In other words, investors are willing to pay a premium for options to have protection against significant market crashes even if statistically the probability of these crashes is lesser or even negligible.
Therefore, the tendency of implied volatility is to be higher than realized volatility, thus V-R-P being positive.
Realized/Historical Volatility
Historical Volatility (HV) is the statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for an index over a given period of time.
Historical volatility is a well-known concept in finance, but there is confusion in how exactly it is calculated. Different sources may use slightly different historical volatility formulas.
For calculating Historical Volatility I am using the most common approach: annualized standard deviation of logarithmic returns, based on daily closing prices.
Implied Volatility
Implied Volatility (IV) is the market's forecast of a likely movement in the price of the index and it is expressed annualized, using percentages and standard deviations over a specified time horizon (usually 30 days).
IV is used to price options contracts where high implied volatility results in options with higher premiums and vice versa. Also, options supply and demand and time value are major determining factors for calculating Implied Volatility.
Implied Volatility usually increases in bearish markets and decreases when the market is bullish.
For determining GOLD and SILVER implied volatility I used their volatility indices: GVZ and VXSLV (30-day IV) provided by CBOE.
Warning
Please be aware that because CBOE doesn’t provide real-time data in Tradingview, my V-R-P calculation is also delayed, so you shouldn’t use it in the first 15 minutes after the opening.
This indicator is calibrated for a daily time frame.
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ESPAŇOL
Este indicador (V-R-P) calcula la Prima de Riesgo de Volatilidad (de un mes) para GOLD y SILVER.
V-R-P es la prima que pagan los hedgers sobre la Volatilidad Realizada para las opciones de GOLD y SILVER.
La prima proviene de los hedgers que pagan para asegurar sus carteras y se manifiesta en el diferencial entre el precio al que se venden las opciones (Volatilidad Implícita) y la volatilidad que finalmente se realiza en el ORO y la PLATA (Volatilidad Realizada).
Estoy utilizando la Volatilidad Implícita (IV) de 30 días y la Volatilidad Realizada (HV) de 21 días como base para mi cálculo, ya que un mes de IV se basa en 30 días calendario y un mes de HV se basa en 21 días de negociación.
Al principio, el indicador aparece en blanco y una etiqueta le indica que elija qué índice desea que el V-R-P represente en el gráfico. Use la configuración del indicador (la rueda dentada) para elegir uno de los metales preciosos (o ambos).
Junto con la línea V-R-P, el indicador mostrará su promedio móvil de un año dentro de un rango de +/- 15% (que puede cambiar) con fines de evaluación comparativa. Deberíamos considerar este rango como el V-R-P "normalizado" para el período real.
La línea Cero también está marcada en el indicador.
Interpretación
Cuando el V-R-P está dentro del rango "normalizado",... bueno... la volatilidad y la incertidumbre, como las ve el mercado de opciones, es "normal". Tenemos una “prima” de volatilidad que debería considerarse normal.
Cuando V-R-P está por encima del rango "normalizado", la prima de volatilidad es alta. Esto significa que los inversores están dispuestos a pagar más por las opciones porque ven una creciente incertidumbre en los mercados.
Cuando el V-R-P está por debajo del rango "normalizado" pero es positivo (por encima de la línea Cero), la prima que los inversores están dispuestos a pagar por el riesgo es baja, lo que significa que ven una disminución, pero no pronunciada, de la incertidumbre y los riesgos en el mercado.
Cuando V-R-P es negativo (por debajo de la línea Cero), tenemos COMPLACENCIA. Esto significa que los inversores ven el riesgo próximo como menor que lo que sucedió en el mercado en el pasado reciente (en los últimos 30 días).
CONCEPTOS :
Prima de Riesgo de Volatilidad
La Prima de Riesgo de Volatilidad (V-R-P) es la noción de que la Volatilidad Implícita (IV) tiende a ser más alta que la Volatilidad Realizada (HV) ya que los participantes del mercado tienden a sobrestimar la probabilidad de una caída significativa del mercado.
Esta sobreestimación puede explicar un aumento en la demanda de opciones como protección contra una cartera de acciones. Básicamente, esta mayor percepción de riesgo puede conducir a una mayor disposición a pagar por estas opciones para cubrir una cartera.
En otras palabras, los inversores están dispuestos a pagar una prima por las opciones para tener protección contra caídas significativas del mercado, incluso si estadísticamente la probabilidad de estas caídas es menor o insignificante.
Por lo tanto, la tendencia de la Volatilidad Implícita es de ser mayor que la Volatilidad Realizada, por lo cual el V-R-P es positivo.
Volatilidad Realizada/Histórica
La Volatilidad Histórica (HV) es la medida estadística de la dispersión de los rendimientos de un índice durante un período de tiempo determinado.
La Volatilidad Histórica es un concepto bien conocido en finanzas, pero existe confusión sobre cómo se calcula exactamente. Varias fuentes pueden usar fórmulas de Volatilidad Histórica ligeramente diferentes.
Para calcular la Volatilidad Histórica, utilicé el enfoque más común: desviación estándar anualizada de rendimientos logarítmicos, basada en los precios de cierre diarios.
Volatilidad Implícita
La Volatilidad Implícita (IV) es la previsión del mercado de un posible movimiento en el precio del índice y se expresa anualizada, utilizando porcentajes y desviaciones estándar en un horizonte de tiempo específico (generalmente 30 días).
IV se utiliza para cotizar contratos de opciones donde la alta Volatilidad Implícita da como resultado opciones con primas más altas y viceversa. Además, la oferta y la demanda de opciones y el valor temporal son factores determinantes importantes para calcular la Volatilidad Implícita.
La Volatilidad Implícita generalmente aumenta en los mercados bajistas y disminuye cuando el mercado es alcista.
Para determinar la Volatilidad Implícita de GOLD y SILVER utilicé sus índices de volatilidad: GVZ y VXSLV (30 días IV) proporcionados por CBOE.
Precaución
Tenga en cuenta que debido a que CBOE no proporciona datos en tiempo real en Tradingview, mi cálculo de V-R-P también se retrasa, y por este motivo no se recomienda usar en los primeros 15 minutos desde la apertura.
Este indicador está calibrado para un marco de tiempo diario.
Volatility Risk Premium (VRP) 1.0ENGLISH
This indicator (V-R-P) calculates the (one month) Volatility Risk Premium for S&P500 and Nasdaq-100.
V-R-P is the premium hedgers pay for over Realized Volatility for S&P500 and Nasdaq-100 index options.
The premium stems from hedgers paying to insure their portfolios, and manifests itself in the differential between the price at which options are sold (Implied Volatility) and the volatility the S&P500 and Nasdaq-100 ultimately realize (Realized Volatility).
I am using 30-day Implied Volatility (IV) and 21-day Realized Volatility (HV) as the basis for my calculation, as one month of IV is based on 30 calendaristic days and one month of HV is based on 21 trading days.
At first, the indicator appears blank and a label instructs you to choose which index you want the V-R-P to plot on the chart. Use the indicator settings (the sprocket) to choose one of the indices (or both).
Together with the V-R-P line, the indicator will show its one year moving average within a range of +/- 15% (which you can change) for benchmarking purposes. We should consider this range the “normalized” V-R-P for the actual period.
The Zero Line is also marked on the indicator.
Interpretation
When V-R-P is within the “normalized” range, … well... volatility and uncertainty, as it’s seen by the option market, is “normal”. We have a “premium” of volatility which should be considered normal.
When V-R-P is above the “normalized” range, the volatility premium is high. This means that investors are willing to pay more for options because they see an increasing uncertainty in markets.
When V-R-P is below the “normalized” range but positive (above the Zero line), the premium investors are willing to pay for risk is low, meaning they see decreasing uncertainty and risks in the market, but not by much.
When V-R-P is negative (below the Zero line), we have COMPLACENCY. This means investors see upcoming risk as being lower than what happened in the market in the recent past (within the last 30 days).
CONCEPTS:
Volatility Risk Premium
The volatility risk premium (V-R-P) is the notion that implied volatility (IV) tends to be higher than realized volatility (HV) as market participants tend to overestimate the likelihood of a significant market crash.
This overestimation may account for an increase in demand for options as protection against an equity portfolio. Basically, this heightened perception of risk may lead to a higher willingness to pay for these options to hedge a portfolio.
In other words, investors are willing to pay a premium for options to have protection against significant market crashes even if statistically the probability of these crashes is lesser or even negligible.
Therefore, the tendency of implied volatility is to be higher than realized volatility, thus V-R-P being positive.
Realized/Historical Volatility
Historical Volatility (HV) is the statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for an index over a given period of time.
Historical volatility is a well-known concept in finance, but there is confusion in how exactly it is calculated. Different sources may use slightly different historical volatility formulas.
For calculating Historical Volatility I am using the most common approach: annualized standard deviation of logarithmic returns, based on daily closing prices.
Implied Volatility
Implied Volatility (IV) is the market's forecast of a likely movement in the price of the index and it is expressed annualized, using percentages and standard deviations over a specified time horizon (usually 30 days).
IV is used to price options contracts where high implied volatility results in options with higher premiums and vice versa. Also, options supply and demand and time value are major determining factors for calculating Implied Volatility.
Implied Volatility usually increases in bearish markets and decreases when the market is bullish.
For determining S&P500 and Nasdaq-100 implied volatility I used their volatility indices: VIX and VXN (30-day IV) provided by CBOE.
Warning
Please be aware that because CBOE doesn’t provide real-time data in Tradingview, my V-R-P calculation is also delayed, so you shouldn’t use it in the first 15 minutes after the opening.
This indicator is calibrated for a daily time frame.
ESPAŇOL
Este indicador (V-R-P) calcula la Prima de Riesgo de Volatilidad (de un mes) para S&P500 y Nasdaq-100.
V-R-P es la prima que pagan los hedgers sobre la Volatilidad Realizada para las opciones de los índices S&P500 y Nasdaq-100.
La prima proviene de los hedgers que pagan para asegurar sus carteras y se manifiesta en el diferencial entre el precio al que se venden las opciones (Volatilidad Implícita) y la volatilidad que finalmente se realiza en el S&P500 y el Nasdaq-100 (Volatilidad Realizada).
Estoy utilizando la Volatilidad Implícita (IV) de 30 días y la Volatilidad Realizada (HV) de 21 días como base para mi cálculo, ya que un mes de IV se basa en 30 días calendario y un mes de HV se basa en 21 días de negociación.
Al principio, el indicador aparece en blanco y una etiqueta le indica que elija qué índice desea que el V-R-P represente en el gráfico. Use la configuración del indicador (la rueda dentada) para elegir uno de los índices (o ambos).
Junto con la línea V-R-P, el indicador mostrará su promedio móvil de un año dentro de un rango de +/- 15% (que puede cambiar) con fines de evaluación comparativa. Deberíamos considerar este rango como el V-R-P "normalizado" para el período real.
La línea Cero también está marcada en el indicador.
Interpretación
Cuando el V-R-P está dentro del rango "normalizado",... bueno... la volatilidad y la incertidumbre, como las ve el mercado de opciones, es "normal". Tenemos una “prima” de volatilidad que debería considerarse normal.
Cuando V-R-P está por encima del rango "normalizado", la prima de volatilidad es alta. Esto significa que los inversores están dispuestos a pagar más por las opciones porque ven una creciente incertidumbre en los mercados.
Cuando el V-R-P está por debajo del rango "normalizado" pero es positivo (por encima de la línea Cero), la prima que los inversores están dispuestos a pagar por el riesgo es baja, lo que significa que ven una disminución, pero no pronunciada, de la incertidumbre y los riesgos en el mercado.
Cuando V-R-P es negativo (por debajo de la línea Cero), tenemos COMPLACENCIA. Esto significa que los inversores ven el riesgo próximo como menor que lo que sucedió en el mercado en el pasado reciente (en los últimos 30 días).
CONCEPTOS:
Prima de Riesgo de Volatilidad
La Prima de Riesgo de Volatilidad (V-R-P) es la noción de que la Volatilidad Implícita (IV) tiende a ser más alta que la Volatilidad Realizada (HV) ya que los participantes del mercado tienden a sobrestimar la probabilidad de una caída significativa del mercado.
Esta sobreestimación puede explicar un aumento en la demanda de opciones como protección contra una cartera de acciones. Básicamente, esta mayor percepción de riesgo puede conducir a una mayor disposición a pagar por estas opciones para cubrir una cartera.
En otras palabras, los inversores están dispuestos a pagar una prima por las opciones para tener protección contra caídas significativas del mercado, incluso si estadísticamente la probabilidad de estas caídas es menor o insignificante.
Por lo tanto, la tendencia de la Volatilidad Implícita es de ser mayor que la Volatilidad Realizada, por lo cual el V-R-P es positivo.
Volatilidad Realizada/Histórica
La Volatilidad Histórica (HV) es la medida estadística de la dispersión de los rendimientos de un índice durante un período de tiempo determinado.
La Volatilidad Histórica es un concepto bien conocido en finanzas, pero existe confusión sobre cómo se calcula exactamente. Varias fuentes pueden usar fórmulas de Volatilidad Histórica ligeramente diferentes.
Para calcular la Volatilidad Histórica, utilicé el enfoque más común: desviación estándar anualizada de rendimientos logarítmicos, basada en los precios de cierre diarios.
Volatilidad Implícita
La Volatilidad Implícita (IV) es la previsión del mercado de un posible movimiento en el precio del índice y se expresa anualizada, utilizando porcentajes y desviaciones estándar en un horizonte de tiempo específico (generalmente 30 días).
IV se utiliza para cotizar contratos de opciones donde la alta Volatilidad Implícita da como resultado opciones con primas más altas y viceversa. Además, la oferta y la demanda de opciones y el valor temporal son factores determinantes importantes para calcular la Volatilidad Implícita.
La Volatilidad Implícita generalmente aumenta en los mercados bajistas y disminuye cuando el mercado es alcista.
Para determinar la Volatilidad Implícita de S&P500 y Nasdaq-100 utilicé sus índices de volatilidad: VIX y VXN (30 días IV) proporcionados por CBOE.
Precaución
Tenga en cuenta que debido a que CBOE no proporciona datos en tiempo real en Tradingview, mi cálculo de V-R-P también se retrasa, y por este motivo no se recomienda usar en los primeros 15 minutos desde la apertura.
Este indicador está calibrado para un marco de tiempo diario.
Wyckoff Method - Comprehensive Analysis# WYCKOFF METHOD - QUICK REFERENCE CHEAT SHEET
## 🟢 STRONGEST BUY SIGNALS
### 1. SPRING ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **What:** False breakdown below support on LOW volume
- **Look for:** Quick reversal, close above support
- **Entry:** When price closes back in range
- **Stop:** Below spring low
- **Target:** Top of range minimum
### 2. SOS (Sign of Strength) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **What:** Breakout above resistance on HIGH volume
- **Look for:** Wide spread up bar, strong close
- **Entry:** On breakout or wait for LPS pullback
- **Stop:** Below range top
- **Target:** Height of range projected up
### 3. SHAKEOUT ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **What:** Sharp move below support with HIGH volume, immediate reversal
- **Look for:** Long lower wick, closes strong
- **Entry:** When price reclaims support
- **Stop:** Below shakeout low
- **Target:** Previous resistance
---
## 🔴 STRONGEST SELL SIGNALS
### 1. UTAD (Upthrust After Distribution) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **What:** False breakout above resistance, quick rejection
- **Look for:** Spike high, weak close, often high volume
- **Entry:** When price closes back in range
- **Stop:** Above UTAD high
- **Target:** Bottom of range minimum
### 2. SOW (Sign of Weakness) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **What:** Breakdown below support on HIGH volume
- **Look for:** Wide spread down bar, weak close
- **Entry:** On breakdown or wait for LPSY rally
- **Stop:** Above range bottom
- **Target:** Height of range projected down
### 3. UPTHRUST ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- **What:** Move above resistance on LOW volume, weak close
- **Look for:** Long upper wick, closes in lower half
- **Entry:** When resistance holds
- **Stop:** Above upthrust high
- **Target:** Support level
---
## 📊 ACCUMULATION PHASES (Bottom Formation)
```
PHASE A: Stopping the Downtrend
├─ PS (Preliminary Support) - First buying
├─ SC (Selling Climax) - Panic bottom ⚠️ KEY EVENT
├─ AR (Automatic Rally) - Relief bounce
└─ ST (Secondary Test) - Retest SC low
PHASE B: Building the Cause
├─ Trading range forms
├─ Multiple tests of support
├─ Volume decreasing
└─ Absorption occurring
PHASE C: The Test
├─ SPRING - False breakdown ⚠️ KEY EVENT
└─ TEST - Support holds on low volume
PHASE D: Dominance Emerges
├─ SOS - Breakout ⚠️ KEY EVENT
├─ LPS - Last Point of Support (pullback)
└─ BU - Backup
PHASE E: Markup
└─ New uptrend, strong momentum
```
**Background Color:** Blue → Green (getting brighter)
**Action:** Buy in Phase C/D, Hold through Phase E
---
## 📊 DISTRIBUTION PHASES (Top Formation)
```
PHASE A: Stopping the Uptrend
├─ PSY (Preliminary Supply) - First selling
├─ BC (Buying Climax) - Euphoric top ⚠️ KEY EVENT
├─ AR (Automatic Reaction) - Sharp drop
└─ ST (Secondary Test) - Retest BC high
PHASE B: Building the Cause
├─ Trading range forms
├─ Multiple tests of resistance
├─ Demand being absorbed
└─ Volume patterns change
PHASE C: The Test
└─ UTAD - False breakout ⚠️ KEY EVENT
PHASE D: Dominance Emerges
├─ SOW - Breakdown ⚠️ KEY EVENT
└─ LPSY - Last Point of Supply (rally to exit)
PHASE E: Markdown
└─ New downtrend, strong selling
```
**Background Color:** Orange → Red (getting darker)
**Action:** Sell in Phase C/D, Stay out during Phase E
---
## 💰 VOLUME SPREAD ANALYSIS (VSA)
| Signal | Meaning | Color | Implication |
|--------|---------|-------|-------------|
| **ND** (No Demand) | Up bar, LOW volume | 🟠 Orange | Weakness - uptrend ending |
| **NS** (No Supply) | Down bar, LOW volume | 🔵 Blue | Strength - downtrend ending |
| **SV** (Stopping Volume) | VERY HIGH volume, narrow spread | 🟣 Purple | Potential reversal |
| **UT** (Upthrust) | Above resistance, LOW vol, weak close | 🔴 Red | Sell signal |
| **SO** (Shakeout) | Below support, HIGH vol, strong close | 🟢 Green | Buy signal |
---
## 🎯 VOLUME INTERPRETATION
| Volume Level | Bar Color | Meaning |
|--------------|-----------|---------|
| **VERY HIGH** (>2x average) | Dark Green/Red | Climax, potential reversal |
| **HIGH** (>1.5x average) | Light Green/Red | Strong interest |
| **NORMAL** | Gray | Average trading |
| **LOW** (<0.7x average) | Faint Gray | Testing, no interest |
---
## ⚖️ EFFORT vs RESULT
| Scenario | Volume | Spread | Meaning |
|----------|--------|--------|---------|
| **High Effort, Low Result** | HIGH | Narrow | ⚠️ Potential reversal |
| **Low Effort, High Result** | LOW | Wide | ⚠️ Trend weakening |
| **High Effort, High Result** | HIGH | Wide | ✅ Strong trend |
| **Low Effort, Low Result** | LOW | Narrow | 😴 No interest |
---
## 📏 TRADING RULES
### ✅ DO:
- ✅ Wait for confirmation before entering
- ✅ Trade in direction of higher timeframe
- ✅ Use springs and UTAD as primary signals
- ✅ Measure trading range for targets
- ✅ Place stops outside the range
- ✅ Look for volume confirmation
- ✅ Check multiple timeframes
- ✅ Focus on Phase C and D events
### ❌ DON'T:
- ❌ Buy during Phase E Markdown
- ❌ Sell during Phase E Markup
- ❌ Trade against major trend
- ❌ Ignore volume signals
- ❌ Enter without clear stop loss
- ❌ Trade every signal
- ❌ Use on very low timeframes without practice
- ❌ Ignore the context
---
## 🎪 COMPOSITE OPERATOR (Smart Money)
### 💰 Green Money Symbol (Bottom)
- **Meaning:** Institutions accumulating
- **Location:** Demand zones, springs, tests
- **Action:** Follow the smart money - buy
### 💰 Red Money Symbol (Top)
- **Meaning:** Institutions distributing
- **Location:** Supply zones, UTAD, weak rallies
- **Action:** Follow the smart money - sell
---
## 📍 SUPPLY & DEMAND ZONES
### 🟢 Demand Zones (Green Boxes)
- **Created at:** SC, Spring, Shakeout
- **Represents:** Where smart money bought
- **Action:** Look for bounces
### 🔴 Supply Zones (Red Boxes)
- **Created at:** BC, UTAD, Upthrust
- **Represents:** Where smart money sold
- **Action:** Look for rejections
---
## 🎯 TARGET CALCULATION
### Measured Move Method
```
1. Measure trading range height
Example: Top at 120, Bottom at 100 = 20 points
2. Add to breakout point (accumulation)
Breakout at 120 + 20 = Target: 140
3. Or subtract from breakdown (distribution)
Breakdown at 100 - 20 = Target: 80
```
### Multiple Targets
- **Conservative:** 1x range height (100% probability reached)
- **Moderate:** 1.5x range height (70% probability)
- **Aggressive:** 2x range height (40% probability)
---
## ⏰ TIMEFRAME GUIDE
| Timeframe | Use For | Reliability | Recommended For |
|-----------|---------|-------------|-----------------|
| **Weekly** | Major trends | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Position traders |
| **Daily** | Swing trades | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Most traders |
| **4-Hour** | Active swing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Active traders |
| **1-Hour** | Day trading | ⭐⭐⭐ | Experienced only |
| **15-Min** | Scalping | ⭐⭐ | Experts only |
**Golden Rule:** Always check one timeframe higher for context!
---
## 🚨 ALERT PRIORITY
### 🔔 MUST-HAVE ALERTS
1. Spring
2. UTAD
3. SOS
4. SOW
### 🔔 NICE-TO-HAVE ALERTS
5. Selling Climax (SC)
6. Buying Climax (BC)
7. Smart Money Accumulation
8. Smart Money Distribution
### 🔔 CONFIRMATION ALERTS
9. Phase E Markup
10. Phase E Markdown
---
## 💡 QUICK DECISION TREE
```
Is there a clear trading range?
├─ YES
│ ├─ Did price break BELOW support?
│ │ ├─ Volume LOW + Quick reversal = SPRING → BUY ✅
│ │ └─ Volume HIGH + Stays down = Breakdown → SELL ⚠️
│ │
│ └─ Did price break ABOVE resistance?
│ ├─ Volume LOW + Quick reversal = UTAD → SELL ✅
│ └─ Volume HIGH + Stays up = Breakout → BUY ⚠️
│
└─ NO
├─ Strong uptrend = Wait for re-accumulation
└─ Strong downtrend = Wait for re-distribution
```
---
## 📝 PRE-TRADE CHECKLIST
Before entering any trade:
- Identified the current Wyckoff phase
- Confirmed with volume analysis
- Checked higher timeframe trend
- Located supply/demand zones
- Identified clear entry point
- Set stop loss level
- Calculated target (risk:reward >1:2)
- Verified position size (risk 1-2%)
- Have at least 2 confirming signals
- Not trading against major trend
---
## 🧠 REMEMBER
**The Three Laws:**
1. **Supply & Demand** - Price is determined by imbalance
2. **Cause & Effect** - Range size predicts move size
3. **Effort & Result** - Volume should confirm price movement
**The Key Principle:**
> "Trade with the Composite Operator (smart money), not against them"
**Best Setups:**
1. Spring in accumulation (Phase C)
2. UTAD in distribution (Phase C)
3. SOS breakout (Phase D)
4. SOW breakdown (Phase D)
**When in Doubt:**
- ❓ Stay out
- 📈 Use higher timeframe
- 📚 Review the documentation
- 🎯 Wait for clearer signal
---
## 📱 INDICATOR SETTINGS QUICK SETUP
**For Stocks/Crypto (Good Volume Data):**
- Volume MA Length: 20
- High Volume Multiplier: 1.5
- Climax Volume: 2.0
- Swing Length: 5
**For Forex (Limited Volume Data):**
- Volume MA Length: 20
- High Volume Multiplier: 1.3
- Climax Volume: 1.8
- Swing Length: 7
- Turn OFF "Volume Confirmation"
**For Day Trading:**
- Swing Length: 3
- All other settings: Default
**For Position Trading:**
- Swing Length: 7-10
- Volume MA Length: 30
- Use Daily/Weekly charts
---
## 🎓 SKILL PROGRESSION
### Beginner (Month 1-2)
- Focus on: SC, Spring, SOS
- Timeframe: Daily only
- Goal: Identify phases correctly
### Intermediate (Month 3-6)
- Add: All accumulation events
- Timeframe: Daily + 4H
- Goal: Trade springs profitably
### Advanced (Month 6-12)
- Add: Distribution events, VSA
- Timeframe: Multiple timeframes
- Goal: Trade complete cycles
### Expert (Year 2+)
- Master: All events, all timeframes
- Combine: With other methodologies
- Goal: Consistent profitability
---
**Print this sheet and keep it next to your trading desk!**
*Remember: Quality over quantity. Wait for the best setups.*
# Wyckoff Method - Comprehensive Analysis Indicator
## Complete Implementation Guide for TradingView Pine Script
---
## TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. (#overview)
2. (#installation)
3. (#theory)
4. (#components)
5. (#signals)
6. (#strategies)
7. (#settings)
8. (#alerts)
9. (#patterns)
10. (#troubleshooting)
---
## OVERVIEW
This indicator implements Richard Wyckoff's complete trading methodology, including:
- **All 5 Phases** of Accumulation and Distribution
- **18+ Wyckoff Events** (PS, SC, AR, ST, Spring, SOS, LPS, BC, UTAD, SOW, etc.)
- **Volume Spread Analysis (VSA)** principles
- **Supply & Demand Zone** detection
- **Composite Operator** logic (Smart Money tracking)
- **Effort vs Result** analysis
- **Three Wyckoff Laws**: Supply/Demand, Cause/Effect, Effort/Result
---
## INSTALLATION
### Step 1: Copy the Code
1. Open the `wyckoff_comprehensive.pine` file
2. Select all code (Ctrl+A / Cmd+A)
3. Copy to clipboard (Ctrl+C / Cmd+C)
### Step 2: Add to TradingView
1. Go to TradingView.com
2. Open any chart
3. Click "Pine Editor" at the bottom of the screen
4. Click "New" or "Open"
5. Paste the entire code
6. Click "Save" and give it a name
7. Click "Add to Chart"
### Step 3: Verify Installation
You should see:
- Labels on the chart (PS, SC, Spring, SOS, etc.)
- Background colors indicating phases
- Volume analysis in the lower pane
- A table in the top-right corner showing current phase
---
## WYCKOFF METHOD THEORY
### The Three Fundamental Laws
#### 1. **Law of Supply and Demand**
- Price rises when demand exceeds supply
- Price falls when supply exceeds demand
- The indicator tracks volume vs price movement to identify imbalances
#### 2. **Law of Cause and Effect**
- A period of accumulation (cause) leads to markup (effect)
- A period of distribution (cause) leads to markdown (effect)
- Trading ranges build "cause" for future price movement
#### 3. **Law of Effort vs Result**
- **Effort** = Volume (energy put into the market)
- **Result** = Price movement (spread of the bar)
- High effort with low result = potential reversal
- Low effort with high result = trend weakness
### The Five Phases
#### **ACCUMULATION CYCLE**
**Phase A: Stopping the Downtrend**
- Preliminary Support (PS): First sign of buying
- Selling Climax (SC): Panic selling exhaustion
- Automatic Rally (AR): Bounce from SC
- Secondary Test (ST): Test of SC low on lower volume
**Phase B: Building the Cause**
- Trading range develops
- Supply being absorbed by composite operator
- Multiple tests of support and resistance
- Volume generally decreases
**Phase C: The Test (Spring)**
- False breakdown below support
- Traps late sellers
- Quick reversal on low volume
- Last chance to accumulate before markup
**Phase D: Dominance Emerges**
- Sign of Strength (SOS): Break above resistance
- Last Point of Support (LPS): Pullback opportunity
- Backup (BU): Final consolidation
- Demand clearly exceeds supply
**Phase E: Markup**
- New uptrend established
- Price moves rapidly higher
- Phase E can last months/years
- Original trading range becomes support
#### **DISTRIBUTION CYCLE**
**Phase A: Stopping the Uptrend**
- Preliminary Supply (PSY): First sign of selling
- Buying Climax (BC): Euphoric buying exhaustion
- Automatic Reaction (AR): Sharp selloff from BC
- Secondary Test (ST): Test of BC high on lower volume
**Phase B: Building the Cause**
- Trading range at top
- Demand being absorbed by composite operator
- Multiple tests of support and resistance
**Phase C: The Test (UTAD)**
- Upthrust After Distribution
- False breakout above resistance
- Traps late buyers
- Quick reversal
**Phase D: Dominance Emerges**
- Sign of Weakness (SOW): Break below support
- Last Point of Supply (LPSY): Rally opportunity to exit
- Supply clearly exceeds demand
**Phase E: Markdown**
- New downtrend established
- Price moves rapidly lower
- Original trading range becomes resistance
---
## INDICATOR COMPONENTS
### 1. EVENT LABELS
#### Accumulation Events (Green labels)
- **PS** = Preliminary Support
- **SC** = Selling Climax (largest label, most important)
- **AR** = Automatic Rally
- **ST** = Secondary Test
- **SPRING** = Spring (critical buy signal)
- **TEST** = Test of support
- **SOS** = Sign of Strength (breakout)
- **LPS** = Last Point of Support
- **BU** = Backup
#### Distribution Events (Red labels)
- **PSY** = Preliminary Supply
- **BC** = Buying Climax (largest label, most important)
- **AR** = Automatic Reaction
- **ST** = Secondary Test
- **UTAD** = Upthrust After Distribution (critical sell signal)
- **SOW** = Sign of Weakness
- **LPSY** = Last Point of Supply
#### VSA Events (Small colored labels)
- **ND** (Orange) = No Demand - weakness
- **NS** (Blue) = No Supply - strength
- **SV** (Purple) = Stopping Volume
- **UT** (Red) = Upthrust - weakness
- **SO** (Green) = Shakeout - strength
#### Composite Operator (💰 symbols)
- Green 💰 at bottom = Smart Money Accumulation
- Red 💰 at top = Smart Money Distribution
### 2. BACKGROUND COLORS
- **Light Blue** = Phase A (Accumulation)
- **Light Orange** = Phase A (Distribution)
- **Very Light Green** = Phase C (Accumulation Testing)
- **Very Light Red** = Phase C (Distribution Testing)
- **Light Green** = Phase D (Accumulation Strength)
- **Light Red** = Phase D (Distribution Weakness)
- **Green** = Phase E (Markup - Bull trend)
- **Red** = Phase E (Markdown - Bear trend)
### 3. SUPPLY & DEMAND ZONES
- **Green boxes** = Demand zones (where smart money accumulated)
- **Red boxes** = Supply zones (where smart money distributed)
- Zones extend 20 bars into the future
- Price reactions at these zones are significant
### 4. VOLUME PANEL
- **Dark Green/Red bars** = Very High Volume (climax)
- **Light Green/Red bars** = High Volume
- **Gray bars** = Normal Volume
- **Faint Gray bars** = Low Volume
- **Blue line** = Volume Moving Average
### 5. INFORMATION TABLE (Top Right)
Displays real-time analysis:
- **Current Phase** (A, B, C, D, or E)
- **Status** (description of what's happening)
- **Volume** (Very High, High, Normal, Low)
- **Spread** (Wide, Normal, Narrow)
- **Effort/Result** (Poor, Normal, Good)
- **Range** (YES if in trading range)
- **Bias** (BULLISH, BEARISH, or NEUTRAL)
---
## HOW TO READ THE SIGNALS
### STRONG BUY SIGNALS (in order of strength)
1. **SPRING** (strongest)
- False breakdown below support
- Look for: Low volume, quick reversal, close above support
- Entry: When price closes back above support level
- Stop: Below the spring low
2. **SOS (Sign of Strength)**
- Break above trading range resistance
- Look for: High volume, wide spread up bar
- Entry: On breakout or pullback to LPS
- Stop: Below trading range
3. **Shakeout (SO)**
- Similar to spring but more violent
- Look for: High volume, penetration of support, strong close
- Entry: When price reclaims support
- Stop: Below shakeout low
4. **LPS (Last Point of Support)**
- Pullback after SOS
- Look for: Low volume, shallow pullback
- Entry: When support holds
- Stop: Below LPS
5. **No Supply (NS)**
- Down bar on very low volume
- Indicates lack of selling pressure
- Confirms accumulation phase
### STRONG SELL SIGNALS (in order of strength)
1. **UTAD (Upthrust After Distribution)** (strongest)
- False breakout above resistance
- Look for: High volume spike, rejection, close below resistance
- Entry: When price closes back below resistance
- Stop: Above UTAD high
2. **SOW (Sign of Weakness)**
- Break below trading range support
- Look for: High volume, wide spread down bar
- Entry: On breakdown or rally to LPSY
- Stop: Above trading range
3. **Upthrust (UT)**
- Move above resistance on low volume, weak close
- Look for: Low volume, close in lower half of bar
- Entry: When resistance becomes resistance again
- Stop: Above upthrust high
4. **LPSY (Last Point of Supply)**
- Rally after SOW
- Look for: Low volume, weak rally
- Entry: When rally fails
- Stop: Above LPSY
5. **No Demand (ND)**
- Up bar on very low volume
- Indicates lack of buying pressure
- Confirms distribution phase
### NEUTRAL/WARNING SIGNALS
- **High Effort, Low Result** = Potential reversal coming
- **Stopping Volume** = Trend may be ending
- **Absorption** = Large volume with small movement (accumulation/distribution)
---
## TRADING STRATEGY EXAMPLES
### Strategy 1: Accumulation Range Breakout
**Setup:**
1. Identify trading range (blue background in Phase B)
2. Wait for Spring or Test (Phase C)
3. Wait for SOS breakout (Phase D)
**Entry:**
- Option A: Buy on SOS breakout
- Option B: Wait for LPS pullback (better risk/reward)
**Stop Loss:**
- Below the spring low or trading range bottom
**Target:**
- Measure height of trading range (cause)
- Project upward from breakout point (effect)
- Minimum target = range height
**Example:**
```
Trading Range: 100 to 120 (20 point range)
SOS Breakout at: 120
Target: 120 + 20 = 140 minimum
```
### Strategy 2: Distribution Range Breakdown
**Setup:**
1. Identify trading range after uptrend
2. Wait for UTAD (Phase C)
3. Wait for SOW breakdown (Phase D)
**Entry:**
- Option A: Sell on SOW breakdown
- Option B: Wait for LPSY rally (better risk/reward)
**Stop Loss:**
- Above the UTAD high or trading range top
**Target:**
- Measure height of trading range
- Project downward from breakdown point
- Minimum target = range height
### Strategy 3: Spring Trading
**Setup:**
1. Strong downtrend followed by range
2. Price breaks below range bottom
3. Volume is LOW on breakdown
4. Price quickly reverses and closes above support
**Entry:**
- When candle closes above support level
- Or on retest of support
**Stop Loss:**
- Below spring low (usually tight)
**Target:**
- Top of trading range
- Previous swing high
**Risk/Reward:**
- Typically 1:3 or better
### Strategy 4: Smart Money Tracking
**Setup:**
1. Look for 💰 symbols in demand zones
2. Multiple accumulation signals (PS, SC, ST, Test)
3. Volume decreasing during range
**Entry:**
- At next demand zone test
- On SOS breakout
**Confirmation:**
- Background turning green (Phase D/E)
- Table shows "BULLISH" bias
### Strategy 5: VSA Reversal
**Setup:**
1. Strong trend in place
2. Stopping Volume (SV) appears at extreme
3. Followed by No Demand (ND) or No Supply (NS)
**Entry:**
- When trend breaks down/up
- On retest of extreme
**Example (Bullish):**
```
Downtrend → Stopping Volume → No Supply → Up bar
Entry: Buy when price moves above SV bar
```
---
## SETTINGS & CUSTOMIZATION
### Volume Analysis Settings
**Volume MA Length** (default: 20)
- Shorter = More sensitive to volume changes
- Longer = Smoother, less noise
- Recommended: 15-25 for most timeframes
**High Volume Multiplier** (default: 1.5)
- Threshold for "high volume"
- Lower = More signals
- Higher = Only extreme volume
- Recommended: 1.3-2.0
**Climax Volume Multiplier** (default: 2.0)
- Threshold for climax events (SC, BC)
- Should be significantly higher than normal
- Recommended: 2.0-3.0
### Phase Detection Settings
**Swing Detection Length** (default: 5)
- How many bars to look left/right for swing points
- Shorter = More swings detected (more noise)
- Longer = Fewer swings (cleaner, might miss some)
- Recommended: 3-7
**Range Expansion Threshold** (default: 1.5)
- Multiplier for "wide spread" bars
- Higher = Only very wide bars qualify
- Recommended: 1.3-2.0
**Volume Confirmation** (default: ON)
- Requires volume confirmation for events
- Turn OFF for very low volume instruments
- Keep ON for stocks, forex, crypto
### Display Options
Toggle on/off:
- ✅ **Show Accumulation/Distribution Phases** - Background colors
- ✅ **Show Wyckoff Events** - All labeled events
- ✅ **Show Volume Spread Analysis** - VSA labels
- ✅ **Show Supply/Demand Zones** - Boxes on chart
- ✅ **Show Composite Operator Signals** - 💰 symbols
### Color Customization
- **Bullish Color** - All accumulation events
- **Bearish Color** - All distribution events
- **Neutral Color** - Range/neutral signals
---
## ALERT SETUP
### Available Alerts
1. **Selling Climax (SC)** - Potential bottom forming
2. **Spring** - Strong buy signal
3. **Sign of Strength (SOS)** - Bullish breakout
4. **Buying Climax (BC)** - Potential top forming
5. **UTAD** - Strong sell signal
6. **Sign of Weakness (SOW)** - Bearish breakdown
7. **Phase E Markup** - Uptrend confirmed
8. **Phase E Markdown** - Downtrend confirmed
9. **Smart Money Accumulation** - Institutions buying
10. **Smart Money Distribution** - Institutions selling
### How to Set Up Alerts
1. Click the "⏰" icon on TradingView
2. Select "Create Alert"
3. Condition: Choose the indicator and alert type
4. Example: "Wyckoff Method - Spring"
5. Set notification preferences (popup, email, webhook)
6. Click "Create"
### Recommended Alert Strategy
**Conservative Trader:**
- Spring
- SOS
- UTAD
- SOW
**Aggressive Trader:**
- Add: SC, BC, Smart Money signals
**Long-term Investor:**
- Phase E Markup
- Phase E Markdown
- Smart Money Accumulation
---
## COMMON PATTERNS
### Pattern 1: Classic Accumulation
```
Phase A: Downtrend → PS → SC → AR → ST
Phase B: Range building (4-12 weeks typical)
Phase C: Spring (false breakdown)
Phase D: SOS → LPS → BU
Phase E: Markup (new uptrend)
```
**What to do:**
- Mark the range boundaries
- Wait for spring
- Buy on LPS or SOS
- Hold through markup
### Pattern 2: Classic Distribution
```
Phase A: Uptrend → PSY → BC → AR → ST
Phase B: Range building (topping process)
Phase C: UTAD (false breakout)
Phase D: SOW → LPSY
Phase E: Markdown (new downtrend)
```
**What to do:**
- Mark the range boundaries
- Wait for UTAD
- Sell on LPSY or SOW
- Stay out during markdown
### Pattern 3: Re-Accumulation
```
Uptrend → Trading Range → Spring → Uptrend continues
```
- Occurs during existing uptrend
- Shorter accumulation period
- Often no clear SC (trend is already up)
- Spring is the key signal
### Pattern 4: Re-Distribution
```
Downtrend → Trading Range → UTAD → Downtrend continues
```
- Occurs during existing downtrend
- Shorter distribution period
- Often no clear BC (trend is already down)
- UTAD is the key signal
### Pattern 5: Failed Breakout
**Bullish Failed Breakout:**
```
Range → Breakdown → Immediate reversal (Spring)
```
- Price breaks support
- Volume is LOW
- Immediate strong reversal
- Very bullish
**Bearish Failed Breakout:**
```
Range → Breakout → Immediate reversal (UTAD)
```
- Price breaks resistance
- Volume may be high initially
- Quick rejection and reversal
- Very bearish
---
## TIMEFRAME RECOMMENDATIONS
### Daily Charts (Most Reliable)
- Best for swing trading
- Clear phases and events
- Less noise
- Recommended for beginners
### 4-Hour Charts
- Good for active swing traders
- Faster signals than daily
- Still reliable
### 1-Hour Charts
- For day traders
- More false signals
- Need to filter carefully
- Use in conjunction with higher timeframe
### 15-Minute / 5-Minute
- Only for experienced traders
- High noise level
- Many false signals
- Use daily chart for context
**Golden Rule:** Always check higher timeframe first!
---
## MULTI-TIMEFRAME ANALYSIS
### Top-Down Approach (Recommended)
1. **Weekly Chart** - Identify major trend and phase
2. **Daily Chart** - Find current accumulation/distribution
3. **4H Chart** - Identify entry timing
4. **Entry Timeframe** - Execute trade
### Example Analysis:
**Weekly:** Phase E Markup (bullish)
**Daily:** Phase B Re-accumulation
**4-Hour:** Spring detected
**Action:** Buy on daily LPS
---
## WYCKOFF + OTHER INDICATORS
### Complementary Tools
1. **Moving Averages**
- 20/50 SMA for trend context
- Already plotted on indicator
2. **RSI**
- Divergences at SC/BC
- Confirms overbought/oversold
3. **MACD**
- Confirms trend change in Phase D
- Divergences support Wyckoff events
4. **Volume Profile**
- Identifies value areas
- Confirms supply/demand zones
5. **Order Flow / Footprint Charts**
- See institutional activity
- Confirms smart money signals
**Don't Over-Complicate:**
- Wyckoff is a complete system
- Other indicators are supplementary
- When in doubt, trust Wyckoff
---
## TROUBLESHOOTING
### Issue: Too Many Labels
**Solution:**
- Increase swing length (Settings → 7 or 10)
- Increase volume multipliers
- Turn off VSA labels if not needed
- Focus on major events only (SC, Spring, SOS, BC, UTAD, SOW)
### Issue: Missing Expected Events
**Solution:**
- Decrease swing length (Settings → 3)
- Decrease volume multipliers
- Turn OFF volume confirmation
- Check timeframe (use daily chart)
### Issue: False Signals
**Solution:**
- Use higher timeframe
- Wait for confirmation
- Don't trade against major trend
- Look for multiple signal convergence
### Issue: Can't See Background Colors
**Solution:**
- Check "Show Phases" is enabled
- Increase monitor brightness
- Colors are subtle by design (not to obscure price)
### Issue: Volume Shows Incorrectly
**Solution:**
- Ensure volume data is available for your symbol
- Some symbols have poor volume data
- Forex spot pairs have no real volume
- Use futures or stock markets for best results
### Issue: No Trading Range Detected
**Solution:**
- Market may be trending strongly
- Trading range might be too small
- Wait for price to consolidate
- Not all markets have clear ranges
---
## ADVANCED TIPS
### 1. Count Point & Figure Charts
- Wyckoff used P&F to measure "cause"
- Width of range × height = minimum move target
- Longer accumulation = larger markup
### 2. Watch for Absorption
- High volume + narrow spread = someone absorbing
- In downtrend = accumulation
- In uptrend = distribution
### 3. Multiple Timeframe Springs
- Spring on daily + spring on weekly = very strong
- Increases probability significantly
### 4. Failed Signals Are Signals Too
- Failed spring = weakness, expect lower
- Failed UTAD = strength, expect higher
### 5. Context is King
- Don't buy during Phase E Markdown
- Don't sell during Phase E Markup
- Respect the major trend
### 6. Volume Precedes Price
- Study volume changes first
- Price follows volume
- Decreasing volume in range = building energy
### 7. Composite Operator Mindset
- Think like institutions
- Where would smart money buy/sell?
- They need liquidity (retail traders)
---
## RISK MANAGEMENT
### Position Sizing
**Conservative:**
- Risk 1% per trade
- Wider stops at range boundaries
**Moderate:**
- Risk 1-2% per trade
- Stops below spring/above UTAD
**Aggressive:**
- Risk 2-3% per trade
- Tight stops
- Higher win rate needed
### Stop Loss Placement
**Accumulation:**
- Below spring low
- Below trading range bottom
- Below demand zone
**Distribution:**
- Above UTAD high
- Above trading range top
- Above supply zone
### Take Profit Strategy
**Method 1: Measured Move**
- Range height = minimum target
- 2x range height = extended target
**Method 2: Fibonacci Extensions**
- 1.0 = range height
- 1.618 = extended target
- 2.618 = maximum target
**Method 3: Trail the Stop**
- Move stop to breakeven at 1R
- Trail under swing lows in markup
- Lock in profits progressively
---
## BACKTESTING CHECKLIST
Before trading with real money:
- Backtest on 50+ historical examples
- Record all signals in trading journal
- Calculate win rate (aim for >50%)
- Calculate average R:R (aim for >1:2)
- Test on multiple instruments
- Test on multiple timeframes
- Test in different market conditions
- Verify signal consistency
- Practice on demo account
- Start small with real money
---
## RECOMMENDED READING
### Books
1. **"Studies in Tape Reading"** - Richard D. Wyckoff
2. **"The Richard D. Wyckoff Method"** - Rubén Villahermosa
3. **"Charting the Stock Market: The Wyckoff Method"** - Jack Hutson
4. **"Master the Markets"** - Tom Williams (VSA)
### Courses
1. Wyckoff Analytics - Official Wyckoff course
2. TradeVSA - Volume Spread Analysis
3. StockCharts - Wyckoff education
### Communities
1. Wyckoff Analytics Forum
2. Reddit r/Wyckoff
3. TradingView Wyckoff ideas section
---
## FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
**Q: Can I use this on crypto?**
A: Yes, works well on major cryptocurrencies with good volume.
**Q: Does it work on forex?**
A: Yes, but use futures volume (like 6E for EUR/USD) for better accuracy.
**Q: What's the best timeframe?**
A: Daily chart for most traders. 4H for more active trading.
**Q: How long does accumulation last?**
A: Typically 2-12 weeks. Longer accumulation = bigger markup.
**Q: Can I automate this?**
A: You can use the alerts, but manual analysis is recommended.
**Q: What's the win rate?**
A: With proper filtering: 60-70% on major signals (Spring, UTAD, SOS, SOW).
**Q: Should I trade every signal?**
A: No. Focus on Spring, UTAD, SOS, and SOW in trending markets.
**Q: What if I see conflicting signals?**
A: Use higher timeframe for context. When in doubt, stay out.
**Q: How do I know which phase I'm in?**
A: Check the table in top-right corner. Also look at background color.
**Q: Can I use this for options trading?**
A: Yes, excellent for timing option entries (especially around Spring/UTAD).
---
## FINAL THOUGHTS
The Wyckoff Method is:
- **A complete trading system** (not just an indicator)
- **Based on 100+ years** of market wisdom
- **Used by institutions** and professional traders
- **Requires practice** and screen time
- **Highly effective** when applied correctly
**Success Tips:**
1. Start with daily charts
2. Focus on major events (SC, Spring, SOS, BC, UTAD, SOW)
3. Always check higher timeframe context
4. Wait for confirmation before entering
5. Manage risk properly
6. Keep a trading journal
7. Be patient - wait for the best setups
**Remember:**
- Not every range will have all events
- Some phases may be abbreviated
- Context and confluence matter most
- Practice makes perfect
---
## SUPPORT & UPDATES
For questions, improvements, or bug reports:
- Check TradingView script comments
- Join Wyckoff trading communities
- Study historical examples
- Practice on demo accounts
**Good luck and happy trading!**
---
*Disclaimer: This indicator is for educational purposes. Always do your own analysis and risk management. Past performance does not guarantee future results.*
# WYCKOFF VISUAL SETUP EXAMPLES
## ACCUMULATION SCHEMATIC #1 (Classic Bottom)
```
Price Chart View:
│ PHASE E
│ MARKUP
│ ╱
│ ╱
┌─SOS─────┤ ╱
│ │ ╱
┌───────────┤ ┌LPS │╱
│ PHASE B │ │ │
│ (Cause) └──┴──────┤
┌AR──┤ │
┌────┤ │ ┌─Spring │ PHASE D
│ └ST──┤ │ │
│ │ │ │
────SC────────┴─────────┴───────────┴──────────
│
PS
│ PHASE A
│
Downtrend
```
### PHASE A - Stopping the Downtrend
```
PS: │ High volume down bar
▼ First sign of support
■ Not bottom yet
SC: │ VERY HIGH volume
▼ Panic selling exhaustion
█ Long lower wick
█ This is the low
AR: │ Automatic rally
▲ Relief bounce
■ High volume acceptable
ST: │ Secondary test
▼ Low volume (KEY!)
■ Tests SC low
```
### PHASE B - Building the Cause
```
┌─────────┐
│ ~~~ │ Multiple tests
│ ~ ~ │ Volume decreases
│~ ~ │ Range gets tighter
└─────────┘
Duration: 2-12 weeks typical
The longer, the bigger the eventual move
```
### PHASE C - The Test (SPRING)
```
║ False breakdown
─────╨─────
▼ Low volume
█ Breaks below support
■
█ Quick reversal
▲ Closes ABOVE support
CRITICAL: Volume must be LOW
Close must be strong
Happens quickly (1-3 bars)
```
### PHASE D - Strength Emerges
```
SOS: ▲ Sign of Strength
────╥──── Break above resistance
║ High volume
║ Wide spread
LPS: ▼ Last Point Support
■ Pullback on LOW volume
▲ Great entry point
BU: ▲ Backup
■ Final consolidation
▲ Before markup
```
### PHASE E - Markup
```
╱
╱
╱ Strong uptrend
╱ High momentum
╱ Can last months/years
──╱──
```
---
## DISTRIBUTION SCHEMATIC #2 (Classic Top)
```
Price Chart View:
Uptrend
│
PSY
│ PHASE A
────BC────────┬─────────┬───────────┬──────────
│ │ UTAD │
│ PHASE B │ │ PHASE D
┌AR──┤ ┌LPSY │ │
│ │ │ └───────────┤
│ └──┴──────┐ │╲
└ST──┤ │ │ ╲
│ └───────────┤ ╲
└─SOW─────┤ │ ╲
│ │ ╲
│ PHASE C │ ╲
│ │ PHASE E
│ │ MARKDOWN
```
### PHASE A - Stopping the Uptrend
```
PSY: │ High volume up bar
▲ Preliminary supply
■ Selling starting
BC: │ VERY HIGH volume
▲ Buying climax
█ Euphoric top
█ Long upper wick
AR: │ Automatic reaction
▼ Sharp selloff
■ High volume
ST: │ Secondary test
▲ Low volume (KEY!)
■ Tests BC high
```
### PHASE C - The Test (UTAD)
```
▲ False breakout
────╥────
║ Breaks ABOVE resistance
║ Often high volume spike
▼
█ Rejection / weak close
█ Closes BELOW resistance
▼
CRITICAL: Closes weak
Quick rejection
Traps buyers
```
### PHASE D - Weakness Emerges
```
SOW: ▼ Sign of Weakness
────╨──── Break below support
║ High volume
║ Wide spread
LPSY: ▲ Last Point Supply
■ Rally on LOW volume
▼ Last chance to exit
```
---
## VOLUME PATTERNS (Critical to Understanding)
### ACCUMULATION Volume Pattern
```
Volume
│ SC
█
█ ST
■ ■ Spring
■ ■ ■ SOS LPS
──┴────┴────┴──────█───■────►
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │
A A C D D
Pattern: HIGH → low → low → HIGH → low
Key: Volume DECREASES during range
INCREASES on breakout
```
### DISTRIBUTION Volume Pattern
```
Volume
│ BC
█
█ ST
■ ■ UTAD
■ ■ ■ SOW LPSY
──┴────┴────┴──────█───■────►
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │
A A C D D
Pattern: HIGH → low → varies → HIGH → low
Key: Volume MAY increase on UTAD
Definitely HIGH on breakdown (SOW)
```
---
## REAL TRADE SETUPS
### Setup #1: SPRING BUY
```
Entry Conditions:
1. Clear trading range identified
2. Price breaks BELOW support
3. Volume is LOW (critical!)
4. Price reverses QUICKLY
5. Closes ABOVE support level
Entry: Next bar or on retest
Stop: Below spring low
Target: Top of range (minimum)
Example:
Support: $100
Spring low: $98 (low volume)
Close: $101
Entry: $102
Stop: $97.50
Target: $120 (range top)
Risk/Reward: 1:4
```
### Setup #2: UTAD SELL
```
Entry Conditions:
1. Clear trading range identified (after uptrend)
2. Price breaks ABOVE resistance
3. Often high volume spike
4. Price reverses QUICKLY
5. Closes BELOW resistance level
Entry: Next bar or on retest
Stop: Above UTAD high
Target: Bottom of range (minimum)
Example:
Resistance: $200
UTAD high: $205 (spike)
Close: $198
Entry: $197
Stop: $206
Target: $180 (range bottom)
Risk/Reward: 1:2
```
### Setup #3: SOS BREAKOUT
```
Entry Conditions:
1. Clear accumulation range
2. Spring already occurred (ideal)
3. Price breaks ABOVE resistance
4. HIGH volume on breakout
5. Wide spread up bar
Entry Option A: On breakout ($120)
Entry Option B: Wait for LPS pullback ($115)
Stop: Below range or LPS
Target: Range height projected up
Example:
Range: $100-$120 (20 points)
SOS breakout: $120
Entry A: $120
Stop: $115
Target 1: $140 (100%)
Target 2: $150 (150%)
```
---
## VSA SPECIFIC PATTERNS
### Pattern 1: No Demand (Weakness)
```
▲
■ Up bar
■ Low volume ◄── KEY
▲ Small body
Context: After uptrend
Meaning: Buyers exhausted
Action: Prepare to sell
```
### Pattern 2: No Supply (Strength)
```
▼
■ Down bar
■ Low volume ◄── KEY
▼ Small body
Context: After downtrend
Meaning: Sellers exhausted
Action: Prepare to buy
```
### Pattern 3: Stopping Volume
```
═ Very high volume
█ Narrow spread ◄── KEY
═ Price not moving
Context: At extremes
Meaning: Absorption
Action: Expect reversal
```
---
## COMMON MISTAKES (What NOT to Do)
### ❌ Mistake 1: Buying Prematurely
```
WRONG:
SC
▼
█ ← DON'T BUY HERE
CORRECT:
Spring
─────╨─────
▼
█ ← BUY HERE
▲
```
### ❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring Volume
```
WRONG: "It broke below support, must be spring"
─────╨───── High volume
█
This is a BREAKDOWN, not a spring!
CORRECT Spring:
─────╨───── LOW volume ✓
■ Quick reversal ✓
▲
```
### ❌ Mistake 3: Trading Against Trend
```
WRONG:
Markdown Phase E
╲
╲ ← Trying to buy here
╲
╲
CORRECT:
Wait for new accumulation to complete
```
---
## MULTI-TIMEFRAME EXAMPLE
### Weekly Chart: Phase E Markup (Bullish)
```
╱
╱
╱ Long-term uptrend
╱
───╱─────
```
### Daily Chart: Re-Accumulation Phase C
```
┌─────────┐
│ Spring │ ← We are here
│ ▼ │
─────┴────█────┴─────
▲
```
### 4-Hour Chart: Entry Timing
```
Last 48 hours:
─────╨───── Spring occurred
█
▲ ← Enter now
■
```
**Result:** Triple confirmation across timeframes = High probability trade
---
## PROFIT TARGETS (Visual Guide)
### Method 1: Basic Measured Move
```
Resistance: 120 ┐ ─────────
│
│ 20 points
│
Support: 100 ┘ ─────────
Breakout: 120
Target: 120 + 20 = 140
╱╱╱ 140 (Target)
╱╱╱
╱╱╱
──────◄ 120 (Breakout)
│
Range │ 20
│
──────┘ 100
```
### Method 2: Multiple Targets
```
╱╱╱ 150 (Target 3: 2.5x) - 20% position
╱╱╱
╱╱╱ 140 (Target 2: 2x) - 30% position
╱╱╱
─────◄╱ 130 (Target 1: 1x) - 50% position
│
10 │ 120 (Breakout)
│
─────┘ 110 (Support)
```
### Method 3: Trailing Stop
```
1. Move stop to breakeven at Target 1
2. Trail stop under swing lows
3. Let winners run
╱╱╱
╱ ╱╱ ← Trail stop here
╱╱ ╱
╱ ╱ ← Then here
─────◄──╱
← Start here (breakeven)
```
---
## TIMING ENTRIES (Exact Bar Patterns)
### Perfect Spring Entry
```
Bar 1: ▼ Breaks below (Low vol)
█
Bar 2: ▲ Reverses (Closes strong)
█ ◄─ ENTER HERE
Bar 3: ■ Confirms
▲
DON'T WAIT for Bar 3!
Enter on Bar 2 close
```
### Perfect UTAD Entry
```
Bar 1: ▲ Breaks above (Spike vol OK)
█
Bar 2: ▼ Reverses (Closes weak)
█ ◄─ ENTER HERE
Bar 3: ■ Confirms
▼
SHORT on Bar 2 close
Don't wait for more confirmation
```
---
## COMPOSITE OPERATOR PSYCHOLOGY
### What Smart Money Does (Follow Them)
**Accumulation:**
```
1. Create fear (PS, SC)
2. Shake out weak hands (Spring)
3. Absorb supply quietly (Phase B)
4. Test for remaining supply (Test)
5. Mark it up (SOS → Phase E)
💰 They buy LOW when retail panics
```
**Distribution:**
```
1. Create euphoria (PSY, BC)
2. Trap late buyers (UTAD)
3. Distribute to buyers (Phase B)
4. Test for remaining demand (ST)
5. Mark it down (SOW → Phase E)
💰 They sell HIGH when retail buys
```
### Where to Look for Smart Money
```
💰 Buy signals appear at:
- Demand zones (green boxes)
- Springs and shakeouts
- Tests of support
- After selling climax
💰 Sell signals appear at:
- Supply zones (red boxes)
- UTAD and upthrusts
- Weak rallies (LPSY)
- After buying climax
```
---
## PRACTICE EXERCISES
### Exercise 1: Identify the Phase
Look at any chart and ask:
1. Is there a trading range? (Phase B likely)
2. Did we just stop a trend? (Phase A)
3. Was there a spring/UTAD? (Phase C)
4. Is there a breakout? (Phase D)
5. Is trend running? (Phase E)
### Exercise 2: Volume Analysis
For each bar, note:
- Volume level (High/Normal/Low)
- Spread (Wide/Normal/Narrow)
- Effort vs Result (Matching? Diverging?)
### Exercise 3: Find Historical Springs
Go back 6 months:
- Mark all springs you can find
- Note the setup before each
- Track what happened after
- Calculate win rate
---
## FINAL VISUALIZATION: The Complete Cycle
```
ACCUMULATION → MARKUP → DISTRIBUTION → MARKDOWN → ACCUMULATION...
Distribution Accumulation
(Top) (Bottom)
┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐
│ BC UTAD │ │ Spring SC │
│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │
────┴───┴───┴───────┴─╲ ╱────────┴───┴───┴────
╲ ╱
Markdown ╲ ╱ Markup
(Phase E) ╲ ╱ (Phase E)
╲ ╱
╲ ╱
╲ ╱
╲ ╱
V
The market cycles endlessly
Your job: Identify where you are in the cycle
Trade accordingly
```
---
**Remember:**
- 📊 Study charts daily
- 📝 Journal every setup
- 🎯 Wait for the best signals
- 💰 Follow smart money
- ⏰ Be patient
- 🚀 Let winners run
**The indicator does the heavy lifting - you make the decisions!**
Order Blocks & Breaker Blocks [TradingFinder] Signals + Alerts🔵 Introduction
Order Block and Breaker Block, are powerful tools in technical analysis. By understanding these concepts, traders can enhance their ability to predict potential price reversals and continuations, leading to more effective trading strategies.
Using historical price action, volume analysis, and candlestick patterns, traders can identify key areas where institutional activities influence market movements.
🟣 Demand Order Block and Supply Breaker Block
Demand Order Block : A Demand Order Block is formed when the price succeeds in breaking the previous high pivot.
Supply Breaker Block : A Supply Breaker Block is formed when the price succeeds in breaking the Demand Order Block. As a result, the Order Block changes its role and turns from the role of price support to resistance.
🟣 Supply Order Block and Demand Breaker Block
Supply Order Block : A Supply Order Block is formed when the price succeeds in breaking the previous low pivot.
Demand Breaker Block : A Demand Breaker Block is formed when the price succeeds in breaking the Supply Order Block. As a result, the Order Block changes its role and turns from the role of price resistance to support.
🔵 How to Use
🟣 Order Blocks (Supply and Demand)
Order blocks are zones where the likelihood of a price reversal is higher. In demand zones, buying opportunities arise, while in supply zones, selling opportunities can be explored.
The "Refinement" feature allows you to adjust the width of the order block to fit your trading strategy. There are two modes in the "Order Block Refine" feature: "Aggressive" and "Defensive." The primary difference between these modes is the width of the order block.
For risk-averse traders, the "Defensive" mode is ideal as it offers a lower loss limit and a higher reward-to-risk ratio.
Conversely, for traders who are willing to take more risks, the "Aggressive" mode is more suitable. This mode, with its wider order block width, caters to those who prefer entering trades at higher prices.
🟣 Breaker Blocks (Supply and Demand)
Trading based on breaker blocks is the same as order blocks and the price in these zones is likely to be reversed.
🔵 Setting
🟣 Global Setting
Pivot Period of Order Blocks Detector : Enter the desired pivot period to identify the Order Block.
Order Block Validity Period (Bar) : You can specify the maximum time the Order Block remains valid based on the number of candles from the origin.
Mitigation Level Order Block : Determining the basic level of a Order Block. When the price hits the basic level, the Order Block due to mitigation.
Mitigation Level Breaker Block : Determining the basic level of a Breaker Block. When the price hits the basic level, the Breaker Block due to mitigation.
Switching Colors Theme Mode : Three modes "Off", "Light" and "Dark" are included in this parameter. "Light" mode is for color adjustment for use in "Light Mode".
"Dark" mode is for color adjustment for use in "Dark Mode" and "Off" mode turns off the color adjustment function and the input color to the function is the same as the output color.
🟣 Order Block Display
Show All Order Block : If it is turned off, only the last Order Block will be displayed.
Demand Main Order Block : Show or not show and specify color.
Demand Sub (Propulsion & BoS Origin) Order Block : Show or not show and specify color.
Supply Main Order Block : Show or not show and specify color.
Supply Sub (Propulsion & BoS Origin) Order Block : Show or not show and specify color.
🟣 Breaker Block Display
Show All Breaker Block : If it is turned off, only the last Breaker Block will be displayed.
Demand Main Breaker Block : Show or not show and specify color.
Demand Sub (Propulsion & BoS Origin) Breaker Block : Show or not show and specify color.
Supply Main Breaker Block : Show or not show and specify color.
Supply Sub (Propulsion & BoS Origin) Breaker Block : Show or not show and specify color.
🟣 Order Block Refinement
Refine Order Blocks : Enable or disable the refinement feature. Mode selection.
🟣 Alert
Alert Name : The name of the alert you receive.
Alert Demand OB Mitigation :
On / Off
Alert Demand BB Mitigation :
On / Off
Alert Supply OB Mitigation :
On / Off
Alert Supply BB Mitigation :
On / Off
Message Frequency :
This string parameter defines the announcement frequency. Choices include: "All" (activates the alert every time the function is called), "Once Per Bar" (activates the alert only on the first call within the bar), and "Once Per Bar Close" (the alert is activated only by a call at the last script execution of the real-time bar upon closing). The default setting is "Once per Bar".
Show Alert Time by Time Zone :
The date, hour, and minute you receive in alert messages can be based on any time zone you choose. For example, if you want New York time, you should enter "UTC-4". This input is set to the time zone "UTC" by default.
Display More Info :
Displays information about the price range of the order blocks (Zone Price) and the date, hour, and minute under "Display More Info".
If you do not want this information to appear in the received message along with the alert, you should set it to "Off".
Smart Money Concept [TradingFinder] Major OB + FVG + Liquidity🔵 Introduction
"Smart Money" refers to funds under the control of institutional investors, central banks, funds, market makers, and other financial entities. Ordinary people recognize investments made by those who have a deep understanding of market performance and possess information typically inaccessible to regular investors as "Smart Money".
Consequently, when market movements often diverge from expectations, traders identify the footprints of smart money. For example, when a classic pattern forms in the market, traders take short positions. However, the market might move upward instead. They attribute this contradiction to smart money and seek to capitalize on such inconsistencies in their trades.
The "Smart Money Concept" (SMC) is one of the primary styles of technical analysis that falls under the subset of "Price Action". Price action encompasses various subcategories, with one of the most significant being "Supply and Demand", in which SMC is categorized.
The SMC method aims to identify trading opportunities by emphasizing the impact of large traders (Smart Money) on the market, offering specific patterns, techniques, and trading strategies.
🟣 Key Terms of Smart Money Concept (SMC)
• Market Structure (Trend)
• Change of Character (ChoCh)
• Break of Structure (BoS)
• Order Blocks (Supply and Demand)
• Imbalance (IMB)
• Inefficiency (IFC)
• Fair Value Gap (FVG)
• Liquidity
• Premium and Discount
🔵 How Does the "Smart Money Concept Indicator" Work?
🟣 Market Structure
a. Accumulation
b. Market-Up
c. Distribution
d. Market-Down
a) Accumulation Phase : During the accumulation period, typically following a downtrend, smart money enters the market without significantly affecting the pricing trend.
b) Market-Up Phase : In this phase, the price of an asset moves upward from the accumulation range and begins to rise. Usually, the buying by retail investors is the main driver of this trend, and due to positive market sentiment, it continues.
c) Distribution Phase : The distribution phase, unlike the accumulation stage, occurs after an uptrend. In this phase, smart money attempts to exit the market without causing significant price fluctuations.
d) Market-Down Phase : In this stage, the price of an asset moves downward from the distribution phase, initiating a prolonged downtrend. Smart money liquidates all its positions by creating selling pressure, trapping latecomer investors.
The result of these four phases in the market becomes the market trend.
Types of Trends in Financial Markets :
a. Up-Trend
b. Down Trend
c. Range (No Trend)
a) Up-Trend : The market breaks consecutive highs.
b) Down Trend : The market breaks consecutive lows.
c) No Trend or Range : The market oscillates within a range without breaking either highs or lows.
🟣 Change of Character (ChoCh)
The "ChoCh" or "Change of Character" pattern indicates an initial change in order flow in financial markets. This structural change occurs when a major pivot in the opposite direction of the market trend fails. It signals a potential change in the market trend and can serve as a signal for short-term or long-term trend changes in a trading symbol.
🟣 Break of Structure (BoS)
The "BoS" or "Break of Structure" pattern indicates the continuation of the trend in financial markets. This structure forms when, in an uptrend, the price breaks its ceiling or, in a downtrend, the price breaks its floor.
🟣 Order Blocks (Supply and Demand)
Order blocks consist of supply and demand areas where the likelihood of price reversal is higher. There are six order blocks in this indicator, categorized based on their origin and formation reasons.
a. Demand Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
b. Demand Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
c. Demand All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
d. Supply Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
e. Supply Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
f. Supply All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
🟣 FVG | Inefficiency | Imbalance
These three terms are almost synonymous. They describe the presence of gaps between consecutive candle shadows. This inefficiency occurs when the market moves rapidly. Primarily, imbalances and these rapid movements stem from the entry of smart money and the imbalance between buyer and seller power. Therefore, identifying these movements is crucial for traders.
These areas are significant because prices often return to fill these gaps or even before they occur to fill price gaps.
🟣 Liquidity
Liquidity zones are areas where there is a likelihood of congestion of stop-loss orders. Liquidity is considered the driving force of the entire market, and market makers may manipulate the market using these zones. However, in many cases, this does not happen because there is insufficient liquidity in some areas.
Types of Liquidity in Financial Markets :
a. Trend Lines
b. Double Tops | Double Bottoms
c. Triple Tops | Triple Bottoms
d. Support Lines | Resistance Lines
All four types of liquidity in this indicator are automatically identified.
🟣 Premium and Discount
Premium and discount zones can assist traders in making better decisions. For instance, they may sell positions in expensive ranges and buy in cheaper ranges. The closer the price is to the major resistance, the more expensive it is, and the closer it is to the major support, the cheaper it is.
🔵 How to Use
🟣 Change of Character (ChoCh) and Break of Structure (BoS)
This indicator detects "ChoCh" and "BoS" in both Minor and Major states. You can turn on the display of these lines by referring to the last part of the settings.
🟣 Order Blocks (Supply and Demand)
Order blocks are Zones where the probability of price reversal is higher. In demand Zones you can buy opportunities and in supply Zones you can check sell opportunities.
The "Refinement" feature allows you to adjust the width of the order block according to your strategy. There are two modes, "Aggressive" and "Defensive," in the "Order Block Refine". The difference between "Aggressive" and "Defensive" lies in the width of the order block.
For risk-averse traders, the "Defensive" mode is suitable as it provides a lower loss limit and a greater reward-to-risk ratio. For risk-taking traders, the "Aggressive" mode is more appropriate. These traders prefer to enter trades at higher prices, and this mode, which has a wider order block width, is more suitable for this group of individuals.
🟣 Fair Value Gap (FVG) | Imbalance (IMB) | Inefficiency (IFC)
In order to identify the "fair value gap" on the chart, it must be analyzed candle by candle. In this process, it is important to pay attention to candles with a large size, and a candle and a candle should be examined before that.
Candles before and after this central candle should have long shadows and their bodies should not overlap with the central candle body. The distance between the shadows of the first and third candles is known as the FVG range.
These areas work in two ways :
• Supply and demand area : In this case, the price reacts to these areas and the trend is reversed.
• Liquidity zone : In this scenario, the price "fills" the zone and then reaches the order block.
Important note : In most cases, the FVG zone of very small width acts as a supply and demand zone, while the zone of significant width acts as a liquidity zone and absorbs price.
When the FVG filter is activated, the FVG regions are filtered based on the specified algorithm.
FVG filter types include the following :
1. Very Aggressive Mode : In addition to the initial condition, an additional condition is considered. For bullish FVG, the maximum price of the last candle must be greater than the maximum price of the middle candle.
Similarly, for a bearish FVG, the minimum price of the last candle must be lower than the minimum price of the middle candle. This mode removes the minimum number of FVGs.
2. Aggressive : In addition to the very aggressive condition, the size of the middle candle is also considered. The size of the center candle should not be small and therefore more FVGs are removed in this case.
3. Defensive : In addition to the conditions of the very aggressive mode, this mode also considers the size of the middle pile, which should be relatively large and make up the majority of the body.
Also, to identify bullish FVGs, the second and third candles must be positive, while for bearish FVGs, the second and third candles must be negative. This mode filters out a significant number of FVGs and keeps only those of good quality.
4. Very Defensive : In addition to the conditions of the defensive mode, in this mode the first and third candles should not be very small-bodied doji candles. This mode filters out most FVGs and only the best quality ones remain.
🟣 Liquidity
These levels are where traders intend to exit their trades. "Market makers" or smart money usually accumulate or distribute their trading positions near these levels, where many retail traders have placed their "stop loss" orders. When liquidity is collected from these losses, the price often reverses.
A "Stop hunt" is a move designed to offset liquidity generated by established stop losses. Banks often use major news events to trigger stop hunts and capture liquidity released into the market. For example, if they intend to execute heavy buy orders, they encourage others to sell through stop-hots.
Consequently, if there is liquidity in the market before reaching the order block area, the validity of that order block is higher. Conversely, if the liquidity is close to the order block, that is, the price reaches the order block before reaching the liquidity limit, the validity of that order block is lower.
🟣 Alert
With the new alert functionality in this indicator, you won't miss any important trading signals. Alerts are activated when the price hits the last order block.
1. It is possible to set alerts for each "symbol" and "time frame". The system will automatically detect both and include them in the warning message.
2. Each alert provides the exact date and time it was triggered. This helps you measure the timeliness of the signal and evaluate its relevance.
3. Alerts include target order block price ranges. The "Proximal" level represents the initial price level strike, while the "Distal" level represents the maximum price gap in the block. These details are included in the warning message.
4. You can customize the alert name through the "Alert Name" entry.
5. Create custom messages for "long" and "short" alerts to be sent with notifications.
🔵 Setting
a. Pivot Period of Order Blocks Detector :
Using this parameter, you can set the zigzag period that is formed based on the pivots.
b. Order Blocks Validity Period (Bar) :
You can set the validity period of each Order Block based on the number of candles that have passed since the origin of the Order Block.
c. Demand Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Demand Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
d. Demand Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Demand Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
e. Demand All Zone, "BoS" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Demand All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
f. Supply Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Supply Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
g. Supply Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Supply Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
h. Supply All Zone, "BoS" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Supply All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
i. Refine Demand Main : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
j. Refine Demand Sub : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
k. Refine Demand BoS : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
l. Refine Supply Main : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
m. Refine Supply Sub : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
n. Refine Supply BoS : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
o. Show Demand FVG : You can choose to show or not show Demand FVG.
p. Show Supply FVG : You can choose to show or not show Supply FVG
q. FVG Filter : You can choose whether FVG is filtered or not. Also specify the type of filter you want to use.
r. Show Statics High Liquidity Line : Show or not show Statics High Liquidity Line.
s. Show Statics Low Liquidity Line : Show or not show Statics Low Liquidity Line.
t. Show Dynamics High Liquidity Line : Show or not show Dynamics High Liquidity Line.
u. Show Dynamics Low Liquidity Line : Show or not show Dynamics Low Liquidity Line.
v. Statics Period Pivot :
Using this parameter, you can set the Swing period that is formed based on Static Liquidity Lines.
w. Dynamics Period Pivot :
Using this parameter, you can set the Swing period that is formed based Dynamics Liquidity Lines.
x. Statics Liquidity Line Sensitivity :
is a number between 0 and 0.4. Increasing this number decreases the sensitivity of the "Statics Liquidity Line Detection" function and increases the number of lines identified. The default value is 0.3.
y. Dynamics Liquidity Line Sensitivity :
is a number between 0.4 and 1.95. Increasing this number increases the sensitivity of the "Dynamics Liquidity Line Detection" function and decreases the number of lines identified. The default value is 1.
z. Alerts Name : You can customize the alert name using this input and set it to your desired name.
aa. Alert Demand Main Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Demand Main 's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
bb. Alert Demand Sub Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Demand Sub's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
cc. Alert Demand BoS Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Demand BoS's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
dd. Alert Supply Main Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Supply Main's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
ee. Alert Supply Sub Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Supply Sub's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
ff. Alert Supply BoS Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Supply BoS's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
gg. Message Frequency :
This parameter, represented as a string, determines the frequency of announcements. Options include: 'All' (triggers the alert every time the function is called), 'Once Per Bar' (triggers the alert only on the first call within the bar), and 'Once Per Bar Close' (activates the alert only during the final script execution of the real-time bar upon closure). The default setting is 'Once per Bar'.
hh. Show Alert time by Time Zone :
The date, hour, and minute displayed in alert messages can be configured to reflect any chosen time zone. For instance, if you prefer London time, you should input 'UTC+1'. By default, this input is configured to the 'UTC' time zone.
ii. Display More Info : The 'Display More Info' option provides details regarding the price range of the order blocks (Zone Price), along with the date, hour, and minute. If you prefer not to include this information in the alert message, you should set it to 'Off'.
You also have access to display or not to display, choose the Style and Color of all the lines below :
a. Major Bullish "BoS" Lines
b. Major Bearish "BoS" Lines
c. Minor Bullish "BoS" Lines
d. Minor Bearish "BoS" Lines
e. Major Bullish "ChoCh" Lines
f. Major Bearish "ChoCh" Lines
g. Minor Bullish "ChoCh" Lines
h. Minor Bearish "ChoCh" Lines
i. Last Major Support Line
j. Last Major Resistance Line
k. Last Minor Support Line
l. Last Minor Resistance Line
Grimes Modified MACD Supply DemandA follower of mine asked me if I could make a version of my www.tradingview.com script using the MACD. Well it just so happens I was making a few modifications to my MACD script: just as this question came up so I went ahead and threw this together.
The MACD that triggers the SR zones is pictured below, with key trigger points encircled to illustrate how it works.
Delta Reaction Zones [BOSWaves]Delta Reaction Zones - Cumulative Delta-Based Supply and Demand Identification with Flow-Weighted Zone Construction
Overview
Delta Reaction Zones is a volume flow-aware supply and demand detection system that identifies price levels where significant buying or selling pressure accumulated, constructing adaptive zones around cumulative delta extremes with intelligent flow composition analysis.
Instead of relying on traditional price-based support and resistance or fixed pivot structures, zone placement, thickness, and directional characterization are determined through delta accumulation patterns, volatility-adaptive sizing, and the proportional composition of positive versus negative volume flow.
This creates dynamic reaction boundaries that reflect actual order flow imbalances rather than arbitrary price levels - contracting during low volatility environments, expanding during elevated volatility periods, and incorporating flow composition statistics to reveal whether zones formed under buying or selling dominance.
Price is therefore evaluated relative to zones anchored at delta extremes rather than conventional technical levels.
Conceptual Framework
Delta Reaction Zones is founded on the principle that meaningful support and resistance emerge where cumulative volume flow reaches local extremes rather than where price alone forms patterns.
Traditional support and resistance methods identify turning points through price structure, which often ignores the underlying order flow dynamics that drive those reversals. This framework replaces price-centric logic with delta-driven zone construction informed by actual buying and selling pressure.
Three core principles guide the design:
Zone placement should correspond to cumulative delta extremes, not price pivots alone.
Zone thickness must adapt to current market volatility conditions.
Flow composition context reveals whether zones formed under accumulation or distribution.
This shifts supply and demand analysis from static price levels into adaptive, flow-anchored reaction boundaries.
Theoretical Foundation
The indicator combines delta proxy methodology, cumulative volume tracking, adaptive volatility measurement, and flow decomposition analysis.
A signed volume delta proxy estimates directional order flow on each bar, which accumulates into a running cumulative delta series. Pivot detection identifies local extremes in either cumulative delta or its rate of change, marking levels where flow momentum reached inflection points. Average True Range (ATR) provides volatility-responsive zone sizing, while impulse window analysis decomposes recent flow into positive and negative components with percentage weighting.
Four internal systems operate in tandem:
Delta Accumulation Engine : Computes smoothed signed volume and maintains cumulative delta tracking for directional flow measurement.
Pivot Detection System : Identifies significant turning points in cumulative delta or delta rate of change to anchor zone placement.
Adaptive Zone Construction : Scales zone thickness dynamically using ATR-based volatility measurement around pivot anchors.
Flow Composition Analysis : Calculates positive and negative flow percentages over a configurable impulse window to characterize zone formation context.
This design allows zones to reflect actual order flow behavior rather than reacting mechanically to price formations.
How It Works
Delta Reaction Zones evaluates price through a sequence of flow-aware processes:
Signed Volume Delta Calculation : Each bar's volume is directionally signed based on close-open relationship, creating a proxy for buying versus selling pressure.
Cumulative Delta Tracking : Signed volume accumulates into a running total, revealing sustained directional flow over time.
Pivot Identification : Local highs and lows in cumulative delta (or its rate of change) mark significant flow inflection points where zones anchor.
Volatility-Adaptive Sizing : ATR multiplier determines zone half-width, automatically adjusting thickness to current market conditions.
Flow Decomposition : Positive and negative volume components are separated and percentage-weighted over the impulse window to reveal dominant flow direction.
Intelligent Zone Merging : Overlapping zones of the same type automatically merge into broader reaction areas, with flow statistics blended proportionally.
Dynamic Extension and Visualization : Zones extend forward with gradient-filled composition segments showing buy versus sell flow proportions.
Breach Detection and Cleanup : Zones invalidate automatically when price closes beyond their boundaries, maintaining chart clarity.
Together, these elements form a continuously updating supply and demand framework anchored in order flow reality.
Interpretation
Delta Reaction Zones should be interpreted as flow-anchored supply and demand boundaries:
Support Zones (Green) : Form at cumulative delta lows, marking levels where selling exhaustion or buying accumulation occurred.
Resistance Zones (Red) : Establish at cumulative delta highs, identifying areas where buying exhaustion or selling distribution dominated.
Flow Composition Segments : Visual gradient within each zone reveals the buy/sell flow proportion during zone formation. The upper segment (red tint) represents negative (selling) flow percentage while the lower segment (green tint) represents positive (buying) flow percentage.
BUY FLOW / SELL FLOW / MIXED Labels : Indicate dominant flow character when one direction exceeds 60% of total impulse window activity.
Net Delta Statistics : Display cumulative flow totals (Δ) alongside percentage breakdowns for immediate context.
Zone Thickness : Reflects current volatility environment - wider zones in volatile conditions, tighter zones in calm markets.
Zone Merging : Multiple nearby pivots consolidate into broader reaction areas, weighted by their respective flow magnitudes.
Flow composition, volatility context, and delta magnitude outweigh isolated price reactions.
Signal Logic & Visual Cues
Delta Reaction Zones presents two primary interaction signals:
Support Reclaim (RC) : Green label appears when price crosses back above a support zone's midline after trading below it, suggesting renewed buying interest.
Resistance Re-enter (RE) : Red label displays when price crosses back below a resistance zone's midline after trading above it, indicating resumed selling pressure.
Alert generation covers zone creation and midline reclaim/re-entry events for systematic monitoring.
Strategy Integration
Delta Reaction Zones fits within order flow-informed and supply/demand trading approaches:
Flow-Anchored Entry Zones : Use zones as high-probability reaction areas where historical order flow imbalances occurred.
Composition-Based Bias : Favor trades aligning with dominant flow character - long setups near zones formed under buying dominance, short setups near selling-dominated zones.
Volatility-Aware Targeting : Expect wider reaction ranges when ATR expands zones, tighter ranges when ATR contracts them.
Merge-Informed Conviction : Broader merged zones represent multiple flow inflection points, potentially offering stronger support/resistance.
Midline Reclaim Validation : Use RC/RE signals as confirmation of zone respect rather than standalone entry triggers.
Multi-Timeframe Flow Context : Apply higher-timeframe delta zones to inform lower-timeframe entry precision.
Technical Implementation Details
Core Engine : Signed volume delta proxy with EMA smoothing
Accumulation Model : Persistent cumulative delta tracking with optional rate-of-change pivot detection
Zone Construction : ATR-scaled thickness around pivot anchors
Flow Analysis : Positive/negative decomposition over configurable impulse window
Visualization : Gradient-filled zones with embedded flow statistics and percentage segments
Signal Logic : Midline crossover detection with breach-based invalidation
Merge System : Proximity-based consolidation with weighted flow blending
Performance Profile : Optimized for real-time execution with configurable zone limits
Optimal Application Parameters
Timeframe Guidance:
1 - 5 min : Micro-structure flow zones for scalping and short-term reversals
15 - 60 min : Intraday supply/demand identification with flow context
4H - Daily : Swing-level reaction zones with macro flow characterization
Suggested Baseline Configuration:
Delta Smoothing Length : 3
Pivot Length : 12
Pivot Source : Cumulative Delta
Impulse Window : 100
ATR Length : 14
ATR Multiplier : 0.35 (reduce for lower timeframes)
Maximum Zones : 8
Merge Overlapping Zones : Enabled
Merge Gap : 20 ticks
These suggested parameters should be used as a baseline; their effectiveness depends on the asset's volume profile, tick structure, and preferred zone density, so fine-tuning is expected for optimal performance.
Parameter Calibration Notes
Use the following adjustments to refine behavior without altering the core logic:
Zones appearing oversized : Reduce ATR Multiplier to tighten zone thickness, especially on lower timeframes.
Excessive zone clutter : Increase Pivot Length to demand stronger delta extremes before zone creation.
Unstable delta readings : Increase Delta Smoothing Length to reduce bar-to-bar noise in flow calculation.
Missing significant levels : Decrease Pivot Length or switch Pivot Source to "Cumulative Delta RoC" for flow acceleration sensitivity.
Flow percentages feel stale : Reduce Impulse Window Length to emphasize more recent buying/selling composition.
Too many merged zones : Decrease Merge Gap (ticks) or disable merging to preserve individual pivot zones.
Adjustments should be incremental and evaluated across multiple session types rather than isolated market conditions.
Performance Characteristics
High Effectiveness:
Markets with consistent volume and order flow characteristics
Instruments where delta proxy correlates well with actual tape reading
Mean-reversion strategies targeting flow exhaustion zones
Trend continuation entries at zones aligned with dominant flow direction
Reduced Effectiveness:
Extremely low volume environments where delta proxy becomes unreliable
News-driven or gapped markets with discontinuous flow
Highly manipulated or illiquid instruments with erratic volume patterns
Integration Guidelines
Confluence : Combine with BOSWaves structure, market profile, or traditional supply/demand analysis
Flow Respect : Trust zones formed with strong net delta magnitude and clear flow dominance
Context Awareness : Consider whether current market regime matches zone formation conditions
Merge Recognition : Treat merged zones as higher-conviction areas due to multiple flow inflections
Breach Discipline : Exit zone-based setups cleanly when price invalidates boundaries
Disclaimer
Delta Reaction Zones is a professional-grade order flow and supply/demand analysis tool. It uses a volume-based delta proxy that estimates directional pressure but does not access true order book data. Results depend on market conditions, volume reliability, parameter selection, and disciplined execution. BOSWaves recommends deploying this indicator within a broader analytical framework that incorporates price structure, volatility context, and comprehensive risk management.
ORB Fusion🎯 CORE INNOVATION: INSTITUTIONAL ORB FRAMEWORK WITH FAILED BREAKOUT INTELLIGENCE
ORB Fusion represents a complete institutional-grade Opening Range Breakout system combining classic Market Profile concepts (Initial Balance, day type classification) with modern algorithmic breakout detection, failed breakout reversal logic, and comprehensive statistical tracking. Rather than simply drawing lines at opening range extremes, this system implements the full trading methodology used by professional floor traders and market makers—including the critical concept that failed breakouts are often higher-probability setups than successful breakouts .
The Opening Range Hypothesis:
The first 30-60 minutes of trading establishes the day's value area —the price range where the majority of participants agree on fair value. This range is formed during peak information flow (overnight news digestion, gap reactions, early institutional positioning). Breakouts from this range signal directional conviction; failures to hold breakouts signal trapped participants and create exploitable reversals.
Why Opening Range Matters:
1. Information Aggregation : Opening range reflects overnight news, pre-market sentiment, and early institutional orders. It's the market's initial "consensus" on value.
2. Liquidity Concentration : Stop losses cluster just outside opening range. Breakouts trigger these stops, creating momentum. Failed breakouts trap traders, forcing reversals.
3. Statistical Persistence : Markets exhibit range expansion tendency —when price accepts above/below opening range with volume, it often extends 1.0-2.0x the opening range size before mean reversion.
4. Institutional Behavior : Large players (market makers, institutions) use opening range as reference for the day's trading plan. They fade extremes in rotation days and follow breakouts in trend days.
Historical Context:
Opening Range Breakout methodology originated in commodity futures pits (1970s-80s) where floor traders noticed consistent patterns: the first 30-60 minutes established a "fair value zone," and directional moves occurred when this zone was violated with conviction. J. Peter Steidlmayer formalized this observation in Market Profile theory, introducing the "Initial Balance" concept—the first hour (two 30-minute periods) defining market structure.
📊 OPENING RANGE CONSTRUCTION
Four ORB Timeframe Options:
1. 5-Minute ORB (0930-0935 ET):
Captures immediate market direction during "opening drive"—the explosive first few minutes when overnight orders hit the tape.
Use Case:
• Scalping strategies
• High-frequency breakout trading
• Extremely liquid instruments (ES, NQ, SPY)
Characteristics:
• Very tight range (often 0.2-0.5% of price)
• Early breakouts common (7 of 10 days break within first hour)
• Higher false breakout rate (50-60%)
• Requires sub-minute chart monitoring
Psychology: Captures panic buyers/sellers reacting to overnight news. Range is small because sample size is minimal—only 5 minutes of price discovery. Early breakouts often fail because they're driven by retail FOMO rather than institutional conviction.
2. 15-Minute ORB (0930-0945 ET):
Balances responsiveness with statistical validity. Captures opening drive plus initial reaction to that drive.
Use Case:
• Day trading strategies
• Balanced scalping/swing hybrid
• Most liquid instruments
Characteristics:
• Moderate range (0.4-0.8% of price typically)
• Breakout rate ~60% of days
• False breakout rate ~40-45%
• Good balance of opportunity and reliability
Psychology: Includes opening panic AND the first retest/consolidation. Sophisticated traders (institutions, algos) start expressing directional bias. This is the "Goldilocks" timeframe—not too reactive, not too slow.
3. 30-Minute ORB (0930-1000 ET):
Classic ORB timeframe. Default for most professional implementations.
Use Case:
• Standard intraday trading
• Position sizing for full-day trades
• All liquid instruments (equities, indices, futures)
Characteristics:
• Substantial range (0.6-1.2% of price)
• Breakout rate ~55% of days
• False breakout rate ~35-40%
• Statistical sweet spot for extensions
Psychology: Full opening auction + first institutional repositioning complete. By 10:00 AM ET, headlines are digested, early stops are hit, and "real" directional players reveal themselves. This is when institutional programs typically finish their opening positioning.
Statistical Advantage: 30-minute ORB shows highest correlation with daily range. When price breaks and holds outside 30m ORB, probability of reaching 1.0x extension (doubling the opening range) exceeds 60% historically.
4. 60-Minute ORB (0930-1030 ET) - Initial Balance:
Steidlmayer's "Initial Balance"—the foundation of Market Profile theory.
Use Case:
• Swing trading entries
• Day type classification
• Low-frequency institutional setups
Characteristics:
• Wide range (0.8-1.5% of price)
• Breakout rate ~45% of days
• False breakout rate ~25-30% (lowest)
• Best for trend day identification
Psychology: Full first hour captures A-period (0930-1000) and B-period (1000-1030). By 10:30 AM ET, all early positioning is complete. Market has "voted" on value. Subsequent price action confirms (trend day) or rejects (rotation day) this value assessment.
Initial Balance Theory:
IB represents the market's accepted value area . When price extends significantly beyond IB (>1.5x IB range), it signals a Trend Day —strong directional conviction. When price remains within 1.0x IB, it signals a Rotation Day —mean reversion environment. This classification completely changes trading strategy.
🔬 LTF PRECISION TECHNOLOGY
The Chart Timeframe Problem:
Traditional ORB indicators calculate range using the chart's current timeframe. This creates critical inaccuracies:
Example:
• You're on a 5-minute chart
• ORB period is 30 minutes (0930-1000 ET)
• Indicator sees only 6 bars (30min ÷ 5min/bar = 6 bars)
• If any 5-minute bar has extreme wick, entire ORB is distorted
The Problem Amplifies:
• On 15-minute chart with 30-minute ORB: Only 2 bars sampled
• On 30-minute chart with 30-minute ORB: Only 1 bar sampled
• Opening spike or single large wick defines entire range (invalid)
Solution: Lower Timeframe (LTF) Precision:
ORB Fusion uses `request.security_lower_tf()` to sample 1-minute bars regardless of chart timeframe:
```
For 30-minute ORB on 15-minute chart:
- Traditional method: Uses 2 bars (15min × 2 = 30min)
- LTF Precision: Requests thirty 1-minute bars, calculates true high/low
```
Why This Matters:
Scenario: ES futures, 15-minute chart, 30-minute ORB
• Traditional ORB: High = 5850.00, Low = 5842.00 (range = 8 points)
• LTF Precision ORB: High = 5848.50, Low = 5843.25 (range = 5.25 points)
Difference: 2.75 points distortion from single 15-minute wick hitting 5850.00 at 9:31 AM then immediately reversing. LTF precision filters this out by seeing it was a fleeting wick, not a sustained high.
Impact on Extensions:
With inflated range (8 points vs 5.25 points):
• 1.5x extension projects +12 points instead of +7.875 points
• Difference: 4.125 points (nearly $200 per ES contract)
• Breakout signals trigger late; extension targets unreachable
Implementation:
```pinescript
getLtfHighLow() =>
float ha = request.security_lower_tf(syminfo.tickerid, "1", high)
float la = request.security_lower_tf(syminfo.tickerid, "1", low)
```
Function returns arrays of 1-minute high/low values, then finds true maximum and minimum across all samples.
When LTF Precision Activates:
Only when chart timeframe exceeds ORB session window:
• 5-minute chart + 30-minute ORB: LTF used (chart TF > session bars needed)
• 1-minute chart + 30-minute ORB: LTF not needed (direct sampling sufficient)
Recommendation: Always enable LTF Precision unless you're on 1-minute charts. The computational overhead is negligible, and accuracy improvement is substantial.
⚖️ INITIAL BALANCE (IB) FRAMEWORK
Steidlmayer's Market Profile Innovation:
J. Peter Steidlmayer developed Market Profile in the 1980s for the Chicago Board of Trade. His key insight: market structure is best understood through time-at-price (value area) rather than just price-over-time (traditional charts).
Initial Balance Definition:
IB is the price range established during the first hour of trading, subdivided into:
• A-Period : First 30 minutes (0930-1000 ET for US equities)
• B-Period : Second 30 minutes (1000-1030 ET)
A-Period vs B-Period Comparison:
The relationship between A and B periods forecasts the day:
B-Period Expansion (Bullish):
• B-period high > A-period high
• B-period low ≥ A-period low
• Interpretation: Buyers stepping in after opening assessed
• Implication: Bullish continuation likely
• Strategy: Buy pullbacks to A-period high (now support)
B-Period Expansion (Bearish):
• B-period low < A-period low
• B-period high ≤ A-period high
• Interpretation: Sellers stepping in after opening assessed
• Implication: Bearish continuation likely
• Strategy: Sell rallies to A-period low (now resistance)
B-Period Contraction:
• B-period stays within A-period range
• Interpretation: Market indecisive, digesting A-period information
• Implication: Rotation day likely, stay range-bound
• Strategy: Fade extremes, sell high/buy low within IB
IB Extensions:
Professional traders use IB as a ruler to project price targets:
Extension Levels:
• 0.5x IB : Initial probe outside value (minor target)
• 1.0x IB : Full extension (major target for normal days)
• 1.5x IB : Trend day threshold (classifies as trending)
• 2.0x IB : Strong trend day (rare, ~10-15% of days)
Calculation:
```
IB Range = IB High - IB Low
Bull Extension 1.0x = IB High + (IB Range × 1.0)
Bear Extension 1.0x = IB Low - (IB Range × 1.0)
```
Example:
ES futures:
• IB High: 5850.00
• IB Low: 5842.00
• IB Range: 8.00 points
Extensions:
• 1.0x Bull Target: 5850 + 8 = 5858.00
• 1.5x Bull Target: 5850 + 12 = 5862.00
• 2.0x Bull Target: 5850 + 16 = 5866.00
If price reaches 5862.00 (1.5x), day is classified as Trend Day —strategy shifts from mean reversion to trend following.
📈 DAY TYPE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Four Day Types (Market Profile Framework):
1. TREND DAY:
Definition: Price extends ≥1.5x IB range in one direction and stays there.
Characteristics:
• Opens and never returns to IB
• Persistent directional movement
• Volume increases as day progresses (conviction building)
• News-driven or strong institutional flow
Frequency: ~20-25% of trading days
Trading Strategy:
• DO: Follow the trend, trail stops, let winners run
• DON'T: Fade extremes, take early profits
• Key: Add to position on pullbacks to previous extension level
• Risk: Getting chopped in false trend (see Failed Breakout section)
Example: FOMC decision, payroll report, earnings surprise—anything creating one-sided conviction.
2. NORMAL DAY:
Definition: Price extends 0.5-1.5x IB, tests both sides, returns to IB.
Characteristics:
• Two-sided trading
• Extensions occur but don't persist
• Volume balanced throughout day
• Most common day type
Frequency: ~45-50% of trading days
Trading Strategy:
• DO: Take profits at extension levels, expect reversals
• DON'T: Hold for massive moves
• Key: Treat each extension as a profit-taking opportunity
• Risk: Holding too long when momentum shifts
Example: Typical day with no major catalysts—market balancing supply and demand.
3. ROTATION DAY:
Definition: Price stays within IB all day, rotating between high and low.
Characteristics:
• Never accepts outside IB
• Multiple tests of IB high/low
• Decreasing volume (no conviction)
• Classic range-bound action
Frequency: ~25-30% of trading days
Trading Strategy:
• DO: Fade extremes (sell IB high, buy IB low)
• DON'T: Chase breakouts
• Key: Enter at extremes with tight stops just outside IB
• Risk: Breakout finally occurs after multiple failures
Example: [/b> Pre-holiday trading, summer doldrums, consolidation after big move.
4. DEVELOPING:
Definition: Day type not yet determined (early in session).
Usage: Classification before 12:00 PM ET when IB extension pattern unclear.
ORB Fusion's Classification Algorithm:
```pinescript
if close > ibHigh:
ibExtension = (close - ibHigh) / ibRange
direction = "BULLISH"
else if close < ibLow:
ibExtension = (ibLow - close) / ibRange
direction = "BEARISH"
if ibExtension >= 1.5:
dayType = "TREND DAY"
else if ibExtension >= 0.5:
dayType = "NORMAL DAY"
else if close within IB:
dayType = "ROTATION DAY"
```
Why Classification Matters:
Same setup (bullish ORB breakout) has opposite implications:
• Trend Day : Hold for 2.0x extension, trail stops aggressively
• Normal Day : Take profits at 1.0x extension, watch for reversal
• Rotation Day : Fade the breakout immediately (likely false)
Knowing day type prevents catastrophic errors like fading a trend day or holding through rotation.
🚀 BREAKOUT DETECTION & CONFIRMATION
Three Confirmation Methods:
1. Close Beyond Level (Recommended):
Logic: Candle must close above ORB high (bull) or below ORB low (bear).
Why:
• Filters out wicks (temporary liquidity grabs)
• Ensures sustained acceptance above/below range
• Reduces false breakout rate by ~20-30%
Example:
• ORB High: 5850.00
• Bar high touches 5850.50 (wick above)
• Bar closes at 5848.00 (inside range)
• Result: NO breakout signal
vs.
• Bar high touches 5850.50
• Bar closes at 5851.00 (outside range)
• Result: BREAKOUT signal confirmed
Trade-off: Slightly delayed entry (wait for close) but much higher reliability.
2. Wick Beyond Level:
Logic: [/b> Any touch of ORB high/low triggers breakout.
Why:
• Earliest possible entry
• Captures aggressive momentum moves
Risk:
• High false breakout rate (60-70%)
• Stop runs trigger signals
• Requires very tight stops (difficult to manage)
Use Case: Scalping with 1-2 point profit targets where any penetration = trade.
3. Body Beyond Level:
Logic: [/b> Candle body (close vs open) must be entirely outside range.
Why:
• Strictest confirmation
• Ensures directional conviction (not just momentum)
• Lowest false breakout rate
Example: Trade-off: [/b> Very conservative—misses some valid breakouts but rarely triggers on false ones.
Volume Confirmation Layer:
All confirmation methods can require volume validation:
Volume Multiplier Logic: Rationale: [/b> True breakouts are driven by institutional activity (large size). Volume spike confirms real conviction vs. stop-run manipulation.
Statistical Impact: [/b>
• Breakouts with volume confirmation: ~65% success rate
• Breakouts without volume: ~45% success rate
• Difference: 20 percentage points edge
Implementation Note: [/b>
Volume confirmation adds complexity—you'll miss breakouts that work but lack volume. However, when targeting 1.5x+ extensions (ambitious goals), volume confirmation becomes critical because those moves require sustained institutional participation.
Recommended Settings by Strategy: [/b>
Scalping (1-2 point targets): [/b>
• Method: Close
• Volume: OFF
• Rationale: Quick in/out doesn't need perfection
Intraday Swing (5-10 point targets): [/b>
• Method: Close
• Volume: ON (1.5x multiplier)
• Rationale: Balance reliability and opportunity
Position Trading (full-day holds): [/b>
• Method: Body
• Volume: ON (2.0x multiplier)
• Rationale: Must be certain—large stops require high win rate
🔥 FAILED BREAKOUT SYSTEM
The Core Insight: [/b>
Failed breakouts are often more profitable [/b> than successful breakouts because they create trapped traders with predictable behavior.
Failed Breakout Definition: [/b>
A breakout that:
1. Initially penetrates ORB level with confirmation
2. Attracts participants (volume spike, momentum)
3. Fails to extend (stalls or immediately reverses)
4. Returns inside ORB range within N bars
Psychology of Failure: [/b>
When breakout fails:
• Breakout buyers are trapped [/b>: Bought at ORB high, now underwater
• Early longs reduce: Take profit, fearful of reversal
• Shorts smell blood: See failed breakout as reversal signal
• Result: Cascade of selling as trapped bulls exit + new shorts enter
Mirror image for failed bearish breakouts (trapped shorts cover + new longs enter).
Failure Detection Parameters: [/b>
1. Failure Confirmation Bars (default: 3): [/b>
How many bars after breakout to confirm failure?
Logic: Settings: [/b>
• 2 bars: Aggressive failure detection (more signals, more false failures)
• 3 bars Balanced (default)
• 5-10 bars: Conservative (wait for clear reversal)
Why This Matters:
Too few bars: You call "failed breakout" when price is just consolidating before next leg.
Too many bars: You miss the reversal entry (price already back in range).
2. Failure Buffer (default: 0.1 ATR): [/b>
How far inside ORB must price return to confirm failure?
Formula: Why Buffer Matters: clear rejection [/b> (not just hovering at level).
Settings: [/b>
• 0.0 ATR: No buffer, immediate failure signal
• 0.1 ATR: Small buffer (default) - filters noise
• [b>0.2-0.3 ATR: Large buffer - only dramatic failures count
Example: Reversal Entry System: [/b>
When failure confirmed, system generates complete reversal trade:
For Failed Bull Breakout (Short Reversal): [/b>
Entry: [/b> Current close when failure confirmed
Stop Loss: [/b> Extreme high since breakout + 0.10 ATR padding
Target 1: [/b> ORB High - (ORB Range × 0.5)
Target 2: Target 3: [/b> ORB High - (ORB Range × 1.5)
Example:
• ORB High: 5850, ORB Low: 5842, Range: 8 points
• Breakout to 5853, fails, reverses to 5848 (entry)
• Stop: 5853 + 1 = 5854 (6 point risk)
• T1: 5850 - 4 = 5846 (-2 points, 1:3 R:R)
• T2: 5850 - 8 = 5842 (-6 points, 1:1 R:R)
• T3: 5850 - 12 = 5838 (-10 points, 1.67:1 R:R)
[b>Why These Targets? [/b>
• T1 (0.5x ORB below high): Trapped bulls start panic
• T2 (1.0x ORB = ORB Mid): Major retracement, momentum fully reversed
• T3 (1.5x ORB): Reversal extended, now targeting opposite side
Historical Performance: [/b>
Failed breakout reversals in ORB Fusion's tracking system show:
• Win Rate: 65-75% (significantly higher than initial breakouts)
• Average Winner: 1.2x ORB range
• Average Loser: 0.5x ORB range (protected by stop at extreme)
• Expectancy: Strongly positive even with <70% win rate
Why Failed Breakouts Outperform: [/b>
1. Information Advantage: You now know what price did (failed to extend). Initial breakout trades are speculative; reversal trades are reactive to confirmed failure.
2. Trapped Participant Pressure: Every trapped bull becomes a seller. This creates sustained pressure.
3. Stop Loss Clarity: Extreme high is obvious stop (just beyond recent high). Breakout trades have ambiguous stops (ORB mid? Recent low? Too wide or too tight).
4. Mean Reversion Edge: Failed breakouts return to value (ORB mid). Initial breakouts try to escape value (harder to sustain).
Critical Insight: [/b>
"The best trade is often the one that trapped everyone else."
Failed breakouts create asymmetric opportunity because you're trading against [/b> trapped participants rather than with [/b> them. When you see a failed breakout signal, you're seeing real-time evidence that the market rejected directional conviction—that's exploitable.
📐 FIBONACCI EXTENSION SYSTEM
Six Extension Levels: [/b>
Extensions project how far price will travel after ORB breakout. Based on Fibonacci ratios + empirical market behavior.
1. 1.272x (27.2% Extension): [/b>
Formula: [/b> ORB High/Low + (ORB Range × 0.272)
Psychology: [/b> Initial probe beyond ORB. Early momentum + trapped shorts (on bull side) covering.
Probability of Reach: [/b> ~75-80% after confirmed breakout
Trading: [/b>
• First resistance/support after breakout
• Partial profit target (take 30-50% off)
• Watch for rejection here (could signal failure in progress)
Why 1.272? [/b> Related to harmonic patterns (1.272 is √1.618). Empirically, markets often stall at 25-30% extension before deciding whether to continue or fail.
2. 1.5x (50% Extension):
Formula: [/b> ORB High/Low + (ORB Range × 0.5)
Psychology: [/b> Breakout gaining conviction. Requires sustained buying/selling (not just momentum spike).
Probability of Reach: [/b> ~60-65% after confirmed breakout
Trading: [/b>
• Major partial profit (take 50-70% off)
• Move stops to breakeven
• Trail remaining position
Why 1.5x? [/b> Classic halfway point to 2.0x. Markets often consolidate here before final push. If day type is "Normal," this is likely the high/low for the day.
3. 1.618x (Golden Ratio Extension): [/b>
Formula: [/b> ORB High/Low + (ORB Range × 0.618)
Psychology: [/b> Strong directional day. Institutional conviction + retail FOMO.
Probability of Reach: [/b> ~45-50% after confirmed breakout
Trading: [/b>
• Final partial profit (close 80-90%)
• Trail remainder with wide stop (allow breathing room)
Why 1.618? [/b> Fibonacci golden ratio. Appears consistently in market geometry. When price reaches 1.618x extension, move is "mature" and reversal risk increases.
4. 2.0x (100% Extension): [/b>
Formula: ORB High/Low + (ORB Range × 1.0)
Psychology: [/b> Trend day confirmed. Opening range completely duplicated.
Probability of Reach: [/b> ~30-35% after confirmed breakout
Trading: Why 2.0x? [/b> Psychological level—range doubled. Also corresponds to typical daily ATR in many instruments (opening range ~ 0.5 ATR, daily range ~ 1.0 ATR).
5. 2.618x (Super Extension):
Formula: [/b> ORB High/Low + (ORB Range × 1.618)
Psychology: [/b> Parabolic move. News-driven or squeeze.
Probability of Reach: [/b> ~10-15% after confirmed breakout
[b>Trading: Why 2.618? [/b> Fibonacci ratio (1.618²). Rare to reach—when it does, move is extreme. Often precedes multi-day consolidation or reversal.
6. 3.0x (Extreme Extension): [/b>
Formula: [/b> ORB High/Low + (ORB Range × 2.0)
Psychology: [/b> Market melt-up/crash. Only in extreme events.
[b>Probability of Reach: [/b> <5% after confirmed breakout
Trading: [/b>
• Close immediately if reached
• These are outlier events (black swans, flash crashes, squeeze-outs)
• Holding for more is greed—take windfall profit
Why 3.0x? [/b> Triple opening range. So rare it's statistical noise. When it happens, it's headline news.
Visual Example:
ES futures, ORB 5842-5850 (8 point range), Bullish breakout:
• ORB High : 5850.00 (entry zone)
• 1.272x : 5850 + 2.18 = 5852.18 (first resistance)
• 1.5x : 5850 + 4.00 = 5854.00 (major target)
• 1.618x : 5850 + 4.94 = 5854.94 (strong target)
• 2.0x : 5850 + 8.00 = 5858.00 (trend day)
• 2.618x : 5850 + 12.94 = 5862.94 (extreme)
• 3.0x : 5850 + 16.00 = 5866.00 (parabolic)
Profit-Taking Strategy:
Optimal scaling out at extensions:
• Breakout entry at 5850.50
• 30% off at 1.272x (5852.18) → +1.68 points
• 40% off at 1.5x (5854.00) → +3.50 points
• 20% off at 1.618x (5854.94) → +4.44 points
• 10% off at 2.0x (5858.00) → +7.50 points
[b>Average Exit: Conclusion: [/b> Scaling out at extensions produces 40% higher expectancy than holding for home runs.
📊 GAP ANALYSIS & FILL PSYCHOLOGY
[b>Gap Definition: [/b>
Price discontinuity between previous close and current open:
• Gap Up : Open > Previous Close + noise threshold (0.1 ATR)
• Gap Down : Open < Previous Close - noise threshold
Why Gaps Matter: [/b>
Gaps represent unfilled orders [/b>. When market gaps up, all limit buy orders between yesterday's close and today's open are never filled. Those buyers are "left behind." Psychology: they wait for price to return ("fill the gap") so they can enter. This creates magnetic pull [/b> toward gap level.
Gap Fill Statistics (Empirical): [/b>
• Gaps <0.5% [/b>: 85-90% fill within same day
• Gaps 0.5-1.0% [/b>: 70-75% fill within same day, 90%+ within week
• Gaps >1.0% [/b>: 50-60% fill within same day (major news often prevents fill)
Gap Fill Strategy: [/b>
Setup 1: Gap-and-Go
Gap opens, extends away from gap (doesn't fill).
• ORB confirms direction away from gap
• Trade WITH ORB breakout direction
• Expectation: Gap won't fill today (momentum too strong)
Setup 2: Gap-Fill Fade
Gap opens, but fails to extend. Price drifts back toward gap.
• ORB breakout TOWARD gap (not away)
• Trade toward gap fill level
• Target: Previous close (gap fill complete)
Setup 3: Gap-Fill Rejection
Gap fills (touches previous close) then rejects.
• ORB breakout AWAY from gap after fill
• Trade away from gap direction
• Thesis: Gap filled (orders executed), now resume original direction
[b>Example: Scenario A (Gap-and-Go):
• ORB breaks upward to $454 (away from gap)
• Trade: LONG breakout, expect continued rally
• Gap becomes support ($452)
Scenario B (Gap-Fill):
• ORB breaks downward through $452.50 (toward gap)
• Trade: SHORT toward gap fill at $450.00
• Target: $450.00 (gap filled), close position
Scenario C (Gap-Fill Rejection):
• Price drifts to $450.00 (gap filled) early in session
• ORB establishes $450-$451 after gap fill
• ORB breaks upward to $451.50
• Trade: LONG breakout (gap is filled, now resume rally)
ORB Fusion Integration: [/b>
Dashboard shows:
• Gap type (Up/Down/None)
• Gap size (percentage)
• Gap fill status (Filled ✓ / Open)
This informs setup confidence:
• ORB breakout AWAY from unfilled gap: +10% confidence (gap becomes support/resistance)
• ORB breakout TOWARD unfilled gap: -10% confidence (gap fill may override ORB)
[b>📈 VWAP & INSTITUTIONAL BIAS [/b>
[b>Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP): [/b>
Average price weighted by volume at each price level. Represents true "average" cost for the day.
[b>Calculation: Institutional Benchmark [/b>: Institutions (mutual funds, pension funds) use VWAP as performance benchmark. If they buy above VWAP, they underperformed; below VWAP, they outperformed.
2. [b>Algorithmic Target [/b>: Many algos are programmed to buy below VWAP and sell above VWAP to achieve "fair" execution.
3. [b>Support/Resistance [/b>: VWAP acts as dynamic support (price above) or resistance (price below).
[b>VWAP Bands (Standard Deviations): [/b>
• [b>1σ Band [/b>: VWAP ± 1 standard deviation
- Contains ~68% of volume
- Normal trading range
- Bounces common
• [b>2σ Band [/b>: VWAP ± 2 standard deviations
- Contains ~95% of volume
- Extreme extension
- Mean reversion likely
ORB + VWAP Confluence: [/b>
Highest-probability setups occur when ORB and VWAP align:
Bullish Confluence: [/b>
• ORB breakout upward (bullish signal)
• Price above VWAP (institutional buying)
• Confidence boost: +15%
Bearish Confluence: [/b>
• ORB breakout downward (bearish signal)
• Price below VWAP (institutional selling)
• Confidence boost: +15%
[b>Divergence Warning:
• ORB breakout upward BUT price below VWAP
• Conflict: Breakout says "buy," VWAP says "sell"
• Confidence penalty: -10%
• Interpretation: Retail buying but institutions not participating (lower quality breakout)
📊 MOMENTUM CONTEXT SYSTEM
[b>Innovation: Candle Coloring by Position
Rather than fixed support/resistance lines, ORB Fusion colors candles based on their [b>relationship to ORB :
[b>Three Zones: [/b>
1. Inside ORB (Blue Boxes): [/b>
[b>Calculation:
• Darker blue: Near extremes of ORB (potential breakout imminent)
• Lighter blue: Near ORB mid (consolidation)
[b>Trading: [/b> Coiled spring—await breakout.
[b>2. Above ORB (Green Boxes):
[b>Calculation: 3. Below ORB (Red Boxes):
Mirror of above ORB logic.
[b>Special Contexts: [/b>
[b>Breakout Bar (Darkest Green/Red): [/b>
The specific bar where breakout occurs gets maximum color intensity regardless of distance. This highlights the pivotal moment.
[b>Failed Breakout Bar (Orange/Warning): [/b>
When failed breakout is confirmed, that bar gets orange/warning color. Visual alert: "reversal opportunity here."
[b>Near Extension (Cyan/Magenta Tint): [/b>
When price is within 0.5 ATR of an extension level, candle gets tinted cyan (bull) or magenta (bear). Indicates "target approaching—prepare to take profit."
[b>Why Visual Context? [/b>
Traditional indicators show lines. ORB Fusion shows [b>context-aware momentum [/b>. Glance at chart:
• Lots of blue? Consolidation day (fade extremes).
• Progressive green? Trend day (follow).
• Green then orange? Failed breakout (reversal setup).
This visual language communicates market state instantly—no interpretation needed.
🎯 TRADE SETUP GENERATION & GRADING [/b>
[b>Algorithmic Setup Detection: [/b>
ORB Fusion continuously evaluates market state and generates current best trade setup with:
• Action (LONG / SHORT / FADE HIGH / FADE LOW / WAIT)
• Entry price
• Stop loss
• Three targets
• Risk:Reward ratio
• Confidence score (0-100)
• Grade (A+ to D)
[b>Setup Types: [/b>
[b>1. ORB LONG (Bullish Breakout): [/b>
[b>Trigger: [/b>
• Bullish ORB breakout confirmed
• Not failed
[b>Parameters:
• Entry: Current close
• Stop: ORB mid (protects against failure)
• T1: ORB High + 0.5x range (1.5x extension)
• T2: ORB High + 1.0x range (2.0x extension)
• T3: ORB High + 1.618x range (2.618x extension)
[b>Confidence Scoring:
[b>Trigger: [/b>
• Bearish breakout occurred
• Failed (returned inside ORB)
[b>Parameters: [/b>
• Entry: Close when failure confirmed
• Stop: Extreme low since breakout + 0.10 ATR
• T1: ORB Low + 0.5x range
• T2: ORB Low + 1.0x range (ORB mid)
• T3: ORB Low + 1.5x range
[b>Confidence Scoring:
[b>Trigger:
• Inside ORB
• Close > ORB mid (near high)
[b>Parameters: [/b>
• Entry: ORB High (limit order)
• Stop: ORB High + 0.2x range
• T1: ORB Mid
• T2: ORB Low
[b>Confidence Scoring: [/b>
Base: 40 points (lower base—range fading is lower probability than breakout/reversal)
[b>Use Case: [/b> Rotation days. Not recommended on normal/trend days.
[b>6. FADE LOW (Range Trade):
Mirror of FADE HIGH.
[b>7. WAIT:
[b>Trigger: [/b>
• ORB not complete yet OR
• No clear setup (price in no-man's-land)
[b>Action: [/b> Observe, don't trade.
[b>Confidence: [/b> 0 points
[b>Grading System:
```
Confidence → Grade
85-100 → A+
75-84 → A
65-74 → B+
55-64 → B
45-54 → C
0-44 → D
```
[b>Grade Interpretation: [/b>
• [b>A+ / A: High probability setup. Take these trades.
• [b>B+ / B [/b>: Decent setup. Trade if fits system rules.
• [b>C [/b>: Marginal setup. Only if very experienced.
• [b>D [/b>: Poor setup or no setup. Don't trade.
[b>Example Scenario: [/b>
ES futures:
• ORB: 5842-5850 (8 point range)
• Bullish breakout to 5851 confirmed
• Volume: 2.0x average (confirmed)
• VWAP: 5845 (price above VWAP ✓)
• Day type: Developing (too early, no bonus)
• Gap: None
[b>Setup: [/b>
• Action: LONG
• Entry: 5851
• Stop: 5846 (ORB mid, -5 point risk)
• T1: 5854 (+3 points, 1:0.6 R:R)
• T2: 5858 (+7 points, 1:1.4 R:R)
• T3: 5862.94 (+11.94 points, 1:2.4 R:R)
[b>Confidence: LONG with 55% confidence.
Interpretation: Solid setup, not perfect. Trade it if your system allows B-grade signals.
[b>📊 STATISTICS TRACKING & PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS [/b>
[b>Real-Time Performance Metrics: [/b>
ORB Fusion tracks comprehensive statistics over user-defined lookback (default 50 days):
[b>Breakout Performance: [/b>
• [b>Bull Breakouts: [/b> Total count, wins, losses, win rate
• [b>Bear Breakouts: [/b> Total count, wins, losses, win rate
[b>Win Definition: [/b> Breakout reaches ≥1.0x extension (doubles the opening range) before end of day.
[b>Example: [/b>
• ORB: 5842-5850 (8 points)
• Bull breakout at 5851
• Reaches 5858 (1.0x extension) by close
• Result: WIN
[b>Failed Breakout Performance: [/b>
• [b>Total Failed Breakouts [/b>: Count of breakouts that failed
• [b>Reversal Wins [/b>: Count where reversal trade reached target
• [b>Failed Reversal Win Rate [/b>: Wins / Total Failed
[b>Win Definition for Reversals: [/b>
• Failed bull → reversal short reaches ORB mid
• Failed bear → reversal long reaches ORB mid
[b>Extension Tracking: [/b>
• [b>Average Extension Reached [/b>: Mean of maximum extension achieved across all breakout days
• [b>Max Extension Overall [/b>: Largest extension ever achieved in lookback period
[b>Example: 🎨 THREE DISPLAY MODES
[b>Design Philosophy: [/b>
Not all traders need all features. Beginners want simplicity. Professionals want everything. ORB Fusion adapts.
[b>SIMPLE MODE: [/b>
[b>Shows: [/b>
• Primary ORB levels (High, Mid, Low)
• ORB box
• Breakout signals (triangles)
• Failed breakout signals (crosses)
• Basic dashboard (ORB status, breakout status, setup)
• VWAP
[b>Hides: [/b>
• Session ORBs (Asian, London, NY)
• IB levels and extensions
• ORB extensions beyond basic levels
• Gap analysis visuals
• Statistics dashboard
• Momentum candle coloring
• Narrative dashboard
[b>Use Case: [/b>
• Traders who want clean chart
• Focus on core ORB concept only
• Mobile trading (less screen space)
[b>STANDARD MODE:
[b>Shows Everything in Simple Plus: [/b>
• Session ORBs (Asian, London, NY)
• IB levels (high, low, mid)
• IB extensions
• ORB extensions (1.272x, 1.5x, 1.618x, 2.0x)
• Gap analysis and fill targets
• VWAP bands (1σ and 2σ)
• Momentum candle coloring
• Context section in dashboard
• Narrative dashboard
[b>Hides: [/b>
• Advanced extensions (2.618x, 3.0x)
• Detailed statistics dashboard
[b>Use Case: [/b>
• Most traders
• Balance between information and clarity
• Covers 90% of use cases
[b>ADVANCED MODE:
[b>Shows Everything:
• All session ORBs
• All IB levels and extensions
• All ORB extensions (including 2.618x and 3.0x)
• Full gap analysis
• VWAP with both 1σ and 2σ bands
• Momentum candle coloring
• Complete statistics dashboard
• Narrative dashboard
• All context metrics
[b>Use Case: [/b>
• Professional traders
• System developers
• Those who want maximum information density
[b>Switching Modes: [/b>
Single dropdown input: "Display Mode" → Simple / Standard / Advanced
Entire indicator adapts instantly. No need to toggle 20 individual settings.
📖 NARRATIVE DASHBOARD
[b>Innovation: Plain-English Market State [/b>
Most indicators show data. ORB Fusion explains what the data [b>means [/b>.
[b>Narrative Components: [/b>
[b>1. Phase: [/b>
• "📍 Building ORB..." (during ORB session)
• "📊 Trading Phase" (after ORB complete)
• "⏳ Pre-Market" (before ORB session)
[b>2. Status (Current Observation): [/b>
• "⚠️ Failed breakout - reversal likely"
• "🚀 Bullish momentum in play"
• "📉 Bearish momentum in play"
• "⚖️ Consolidating in range"
• "👀 Monitoring for setup"
[b>3. Next Level:
Tells you what to watch for:
• "🎯 1.5x @ 5854.00" (next extension target)
• "Watch ORB levels" (inside range, await breakout)
[b>4. Setup: [/b>
Current trade setup + grade:
• "LONG " (bullish breakout, A-grade)
• "🔥 SHORT REVERSAL " (failed bull breakout, A+-grade)
• "WAIT " (no setup)
[b>5. Reason: [/b>
Why this setup exists:
• "ORB Bullish Breakout"
• "Failed Bear Breakout - High Probability Reversal"
• "Range Fade - Near High"
[b>6. Tip (Market Insight):
Contextual advice:
• "🔥 TREND DAY - Trail stops" (day type is trending)
• "🔄 ROTATION - Fade extremes" (day type is rotating)
• "📊 Gap unfilled - magnet level" (gap creates target)
• "📈 Normal conditions" (no special context)
[b>Example Narrative:
```
📖 ORB Narrative
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Phase | 📊 Trading Phase
Status | 🚀 Bullish momentum in play
Next | 🎯 1.5x @ 5854.00
📈 Setup | LONG
Reason | ORB Bullish Breakout
💡 Tip | 🔥 TREND DAY - Trail stops
```
[b>Glance Interpretation: [/b>
"We're in trading phase. Bullish breakout happened (momentum in play). Next target is 1.5x extension at 5854. Current setup is LONG with A-grade. It's a trend day, so trail stops (don't take early profits)."
Complete market state communicated in 6 lines. No interpretation needed.
[b>Why This Matters:
Beginner traders struggle with "So what?" question. Indicators show lines and signals, but what does it mean [/b>? Narrative dashboard bridges this gap.
Professional traders benefit too—rapid context assessment during fast-moving markets. No time to analyze; glance at narrative, get action plan.
🔔 INTELLIGENT ALERT SYSTEM
[b>Four Alert Types: [/b>
[b>1. Breakout Alert: [/b>
[b>Trigger: [/b> ORB breakout confirmed (bull or bear)
[b>Message: [/b>
```
🚀 ORB BULLISH BREAKOUT
Price: 5851.00
Volume Confirmed
Grade: A
```
[b>Frequency: [/b> Once per bar (prevents spam)
[b>2. Failed Breakout Alert: [/b>
[b>Trigger: [/b> Breakout fails, reversal setup generated
[b>Message: [/b>
```
🔥 FAILED BULLISH BREAKOUT!
HIGH PROBABILITY SHORT REVERSAL
Entry: 5848.00
Stop: 5854.00
T1: 5846.00
T2: 5842.00
Historical Win Rate: 73%
```
[b>Why Comprehensive? [/b> Failed breakout alerts include complete trade plan. You can execute immediately from alert—no need to check chart.
[b>3. Extension Alert:
[b>Trigger: [/b> Price reaches extension level for first time
[b>Message: [/b>
```
🎯 Bull Extension 1.5x reached @ 5854.00
```
[b>Use: [/b> Profit-taking reminder. When extension hit, consider scaling out.
[b>4. IB Break Alert: [/b>
[b>Trigger: [/b> Price breaks above IB high or below IB low
[b>Message: [/b>
```
📊 IB HIGH BROKEN - Potential Trend Day
```
[b>Use: [/b> Day type classification. IB break suggests trend day developing—adjust strategy to trend-following mode.
[b>Alert Management: [/b>
Each alert type can be enabled/disabled independently. Prevents notification overload.
[b>Cooldown Logic: [/b>
Alerts won't fire if same alert type triggered within last bar. Prevents:
• "Breakout" alert every tick during choppy breakout
• Multiple "extension" alerts if price oscillates at level
Ensures: One clean alert per event.
⚙️ KEY PARAMETERS EXPLAINED
[b>Opening Range Settings: [/b>
• [b>ORB Timeframe [/b> (5/15/30/60 min): Duration of opening range window
- 30 min recommended for most traders
• [b>Use RTH Only [/b> (ON/OFF): Only trade during regular trading hours
- ON recommended (avoids thin overnight markets)
• [b>Use LTF Precision [/b> (ON/OFF): Sample 1-minute bars for accuracy
- ON recommended (critical for charts >1 minute)
• [b>Precision TF [/b> (1/5 min): Timeframe for LTF sampling
- 1 min recommended (most accurate)
[b>Session ORBs: [/b>
• [b>Show Asian/London/NY ORB [/b> (ON/OFF): Display multi-session ranges
- OFF in Simple mode
- ON in Standard/Advanced if trading 24hr markets
• [b>Session Windows [/b>: Time ranges for each session ORB
- Defaults align with major session opens
[b>Initial Balance: [/b>
• [b>Show IB [/b> (ON/OFF): Display Initial Balance levels
- ON recommended for day type classification
• [b>IB Session Window [/b> (0930-1030): First hour of trading
- Default is standard for US equities
• [b>Show IB Extensions [/b> (ON/OFF): Project IB extension targets
- ON recommended (identifies trend days)
• [b>IB Extensions 1-4 [/b> (0.5x, 1.0x, 1.5x, 2.0x): Extension multipliers
- Defaults are Market Profile standard
[b>ORB Extensions: [/b>
• [b>Show Extensions [/b> (ON/OFF): Project ORB extension targets
- ON recommended (defines profit targets)
• [b>Enable Individual Extensions [/b> (1.272x, 1.5x, 1.618x, 2.0x, 2.618x, 3.0x)
- Enable 1.272x, 1.5x, 1.618x, 2.0x minimum
- Disable 2.618x and 3.0x unless trading very volatile instruments
[b>Breakout Detection:
• [b>Confirmation Method [/b> (Close/Wick/Body):
- Close recommended (best balance)
- Wick for scalping
- Body for conservative
• [b>Require Volume Confirmation [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON recommended (increases reliability)
• [b>Volume Multiplier [/b> (1.0-3.0):
- 1.5x recommended
- Lower for thin instruments
- Higher for heavy volume instruments
[b>Failed Breakout System: [/b>
• [b>Enable Failed Breakouts [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON strongly recommended (highest edge)
• [b>Bars to Confirm Failure [/b> (2-10):
- 3 bars recommended
- 2 for aggressive (more signals, more false failures)
- 5+ for conservative (fewer signals, higher quality)
• [b>Failure Buffer [/b> (0.0-0.5 ATR):
- 0.1 ATR recommended
- Filters noise during consolidation near ORB level
• [b>Show Reversal Targets [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON recommended (visualizes trade plan)
• [b>Reversal Target Mults [/b> (0.5x, 1.0x, 1.5x):
- Defaults are tested values
- Adjust based on average daily range
[b>Gap Analysis:
• [b>Show Gap Analysis [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON if trading instruments that gap frequently
- OFF for 24hr markets (forex, crypto—no gaps)
• [b>Gap Fill Target [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON to visualize previous close (gap fill level)
[b>VWAP:
• [b>Show VWAP [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON recommended (key institutional level)
• [b>Show VWAP Bands [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON in Standard/Advanced
- OFF in Simple
• [b>Band Multipliers (1.0σ, 2.0σ):
- Defaults are standard
- 1σ = normal range, 2σ = extreme
[b>Day Type: [/b>
• [b>Show Day Type Analysis [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON recommended (critical for strategy adaptation)
• [b>Trend Day Threshold [/b> (1.0-2.5 IB mult):
- 1.5x recommended
- When price extends >1.5x IB, classifies as Trend Day
[b>Enhanced Visuals:
• [b>Show Momentum Candles [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON for visual context
- OFF if chart gets too colorful
• [b>Show Gradient Zone Fills [/b> (ON/OFF):
- ON for professional look
- OFF for minimalist chart
• [b>Label Display Mode [/b> (All/Adaptive/Minimal):
- Adaptive recommended (shows nearby labels only)
- All for information density
- Minimal for clean chart
• [b>Label Proximity [/b> (1.0-5.0 ATR):
- 3.0 ATR recommended
- Labels beyond this distance are hidden (Adaptive mode)
[b>🎓 PROFESSIONAL USAGE PROTOCOL [/b>
[b>Phase 1: Learning the System (Week 1) [/b>
[b>Goal: [/b> Understand ORB concepts and dashboard interpretation
[b>Setup: [/b>
• Display Mode: STANDARD
• ORB Timeframe: 30 minutes
• Enable ALL features (IB, extensions, failed breakouts, VWAP, gap analysis)
• Enable statistics tracking
[b>Actions: [/b>
• Paper trade ONLY—no real money
• Observe ORB formation every day (9:30-10:00 AM ET for US markets)
• Note when ORB breakouts occur and if they extend
• Note when breakouts fail and reversals happen
• Watch day type classification evolve during session
• Track statistics—which setups are working?
[b>Key Learning: [/b>
• How often do breakouts reach 1.5x extension? (typically 50-60% of confirmed breakouts)
• How often do breakouts fail? (typically 30-40%)
• Which setup grade (A/B/C) actually performs best? (should see A-grade outperforming)
• What day type produces best results? (trend days favor breakouts, rotation days favor fades)
[b>Phase 2: Parameter Optimization (Week 2) [/b>
[b>Goal: [/b> Tune system to your instrument and timeframe
[b>ORB Timeframe Selection:
• Run 5 days with 15-minute ORB
• Run 5 days with 30-minute ORB
• Compare: Which captures better breakouts on your instrument?
• Typically: 30-minute optimal for most, 15-minute for very liquid (ES, SPY)
[b>Volume Confirmation Testing:
• Run 5 days WITH volume confirmation
• Run 5 days WITHOUT volume confirmation
• Compare: Does volume confirmation increase win rate?
• If win rate improves by >5%: Keep volume confirmation ON
• If no improvement: Turn OFF (avoid missing valid breakouts)
[b>Failed Breakout Bars:
[b>Goal: [/b> Develop personal trading rules based on system signals
[b>Setup Selection Rules: [/b>
Define which setups you'll trade:
• [b>Conservative: [/b> Only A+ and A grades
• [b>Balanced: [/b> A+, A, B+ grades
• [b>Aggressive: [/b> All grades B and above
Test each approach for 5-10 trades, compare results.
[b>Position Sizing by Grade: [/b>
Consider risk-weighting by setup quality:
• A+ grade: 100% position size
• A grade: 75% position size
• B+ grade: 50% position size
• B grade: 25% position size
Example: If max risk is $1000/trade:
• A+ setup: Risk $1000
• A setup: Risk $750
• B+ setup: Risk $500
This matches bet sizing to edge.
[b>Day Type Adaptation: [/b>
Create rules for different day types:
Trend Days:
• Take ALL breakout signals (A/B/C grades)
• Hold for 2.0x extension minimum
• Trail stops aggressively (1.0 ATR trail)
• DON'T fade—reversals unlikely
Rotation Days:
• ONLY take failed breakout reversals
• Ignore initial breakout signals (likely to fail)
• Take profits quickly (0.5x extension)
• Focus on fade setups (Fade High/Fade Low)
Normal Days:
• Take A/A+ breakout signals only
• Take ALL failed breakout reversals (high probability)
• Target 1.0-1.5x extensions
• Partial profit-taking at extensions
Time-of-Day Rules: [/b>
Breakouts at different times have different probabilities:
10:00-10:30 AM (Early Breakout):
• ORB just completed
• Fresh breakout
• Probability: Moderate (50-55% reach 1.0x)
• Strategy: Conservative position sizing
10:30-12:00 PM (Mid-Morning):
• Momentum established
• Volume still healthy
• Probability: High (60-65% reach 1.0x)
• Strategy: Standard position sizing
12:00-2:00 PM (Lunch Doldrums):
• Volume dries up
• Whipsaw risk increases
• Probability: Low (40-45% reach 1.0x)
• Strategy: Avoid new entries OR reduce size 50%
2:00-4:00 PM (Afternoon Session):
• Late-day positioning
• EOD squeezes possible
• Probability: Moderate-High (55-60%)
• Strategy: Watch for IB break—if trending all day, follow
[b>Phase 4: Live Micro-Sizing (Month 2) [/b>
[b>Goal: [/b> Validate paper trading results with minimal risk
[b>Setup: [/b>
• 10-20% of intended full position size
• Take ONLY A+ and A grade setups
• Follow stop loss and targets religiously
[b>Execution: [/b>
• Execute from alerts OR from dashboard setup box
• Entry: Close of signal bar OR next bar market order
• Stop: Use exact stop from setup (don't widen)
• Targets: Scale out at T1/T2/T3 as indicated
[b>Tracking: [/b>
• Log every trade: Entry, Exit, Grade, Outcome, Day Type
• Calculate: Win rate, Average R-multiple, Max consecutive losses
• Compare to paper trading results (should be within 15%)
[b>Red Flags: [/b>
• Win rate <45%: System not suitable for this instrument/timeframe
• Major divergence from paper trading: Execution issues (slippage, late entries, emotional exits)
• Max consecutive losses >8: Hitting rough patch OR market regime changed
[b>Phase 5: Scaling Up (Months 3-6)
[b>Goal: [/b> Gradually increase to full position size
[b>Progression: [/b>
• Month 3: 25-40% size (if micro-sizing profitable)
• Month 4: 40-60% size
• Month 5: 60-80% size
• Month 6: 80-100% size
[b>Milestones Required to Scale Up: [/b>
• Minimum 30 trades at current size
• Win rate ≥48%
• Profit factor ≥1.2
• Max drawdown <20%
• Emotional control (no revenge trading, no FOMO)
[b>Advanced Techniques:
[b>Multi-Timeframe ORB: Assumes first 30-60 minutes establish value. Violation: Market opens after major news, price discovery continues for hours (opening range meaningless).
2. [b>Volume Indicates Conviction: ES, NQ, RTY, SPY, QQQ—high liquidity, clean ORB formation, reliable extensions
• [b>Large-Cap Stocks: AAPL, MSFT, TSLA, NVDA (>$5B market cap, >5M daily volume)
• [b>Liquid Futures: CL (crude oil), GC (gold), 6E (EUR/USD), ZB (bonds)—24hr markets benefit from session ORBs
• [b>Major Forex Pairs: [/b> EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY—London/NY session ORBs work well
[b>Performs Poorly On: [/b>
• [b>Illiquid Stocks: <$1M daily volume, wide spreads, gappy price action
• [b>Penny Stocks: [/b> Manipulated, pump-and-dump, no real price discovery
• [b>Low-Volume ETFs: Exotic sector ETFs, leveraged products with thin volume
• [b>Crypto on Sketchy Exchanges: Wash trading, spoofing invalidates volume analysis
• [b>Earnings Days: [/b> ORB completes before earnings release, then completely resets (useless)
• Binary Event Days: FDA approvals, court rulings—discontinuous price action
[b>Known Weaknesses: [/b>
• [b>Slow Starts: ORB doesn't complete until 10:00 AM (30-min ORB). Early morning traders have no signals for 30 minutes. Consider using 15-minute ORB if this is problematic.
• [b>Failure Detection Lag: [/b> Failed breakout requires 3+ bars to confirm. By the time system signals reversal, price may have already moved significantly back inside range. Manual traders watching in real-time can enter earlier.
• [b>Extension Overshoot: [/b> System projects extensions mathematically (1.5x, 2.0x, etc.). Actual moves may stop short (1.3x) or overshoot (2.2x). Extensions are targets, not magnets.
• [b>Day Type Misclassification: [/b> Early in session, day type is "Developing." By the time it's classified definitively (often 11:00 AM+), half the day is over. Strategy adjustments happen late.
• [b>Gap Assumptions: [/b> System assumes gaps want to fill. Strong trend days never fill gaps (gap becomes support/resistance forever). Blindly trading toward gaps can backfire on trend days.
• [b>Volume Data Quality: Forex doesn't have centralized volume (uses tick volume as proxy—less reliable). Crypto volume is often fake (wash trading). Volume confirmation less effective on these instruments.
• [b>Multi-Session Complexity: [/b> When using Asian/London/NY ORBs simultaneously, chart becomes cluttered. Requires discipline to focus on relevant session for current time.
[b>Risk Factors: [/b>
• [b>Opening Gaps: Large gaps (>2%) can create distorted ORBs. Opening range might be unusually wide or narrow, making extensions unreliable.
• [b>Low Volatility Environments:[/b> When VIX <12, opening ranges can be tiny (0.2-0.3%). Extensions are equally tiny. Profit targets don't justify commission/slippage.
• [b>High Volatility Environments:[/b> When VIX >30, opening ranges are huge (2-3%+). Extensions project unrealistic targets. Failed breakouts happen faster (volatility whipsaw).
• [b>Algorithm Dominance:[/b> In heavily algorithmic markets (ES during overnight session), ORB levels can be manipulated—algos pin price to ORB high/low intentionally. Breakouts become stop-runs rather than genuine directional moves.
[b>⚠️ RISK DISCLOSURE[/b>
Trading futures, stocks, options, forex, and cryptocurrencies involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Opening Range Breakout strategies, while based on sound market structure principles, do not guarantee profits and can result in significant losses.
The ORB Fusion indicator implements professional trading concepts including Opening Range theory, Market Profile Initial Balance analysis, Fibonacci extensions, and failed breakout reversal logic. These methodologies have theoretical foundations but past performance—whether backtested or live—is not indicative of future results.
Opening Range theory assumes the first 30-60 minutes of trading establish a meaningful value area and that breakouts from this range signal directional conviction. This assumption may not hold during:
• Major news events (FOMC, NFP, earnings surprises)
• Market structure changes (circuit breakers, trading halts)
• Low liquidity periods (holidays, early closures)
• Algorithmic manipulation or spoofing
Failed breakout detection relies on patterns of trapped participant behavior. While historically these patterns have shown statistical edges, market conditions change. Institutional algorithms, changing market structure, or regime shifts can reduce or eliminate edges that existed historically.
Initial Balance classification (trend day vs rotation day vs normal day) is a heuristic framework, not a deterministic prediction. Day type can change mid-session. Early classification may prove incorrect as the day develops.
Extension projections (1.272x, 1.5x, 1.618x, 2.0x, etc.) are probabilistic targets derived from Fibonacci ratios and empirical market behavior. They are not "support and resistance levels" that price must reach or respect. Markets can stop short of extensions, overshoot them, or ignore them entirely.
Volume confirmation assumes high volume indicates institutional participation and conviction. In algorithmic markets, volume can be artificially high (HFT activity) or artificially low (dark pools, internalization). Volume is a proxy, not a guarantee of conviction.
LTF precision sampling improves ORB accuracy by using 1-minute bars but introduces additional data dependencies. If 1-minute data is unavailable, inaccurate, or delayed, ORB calculations will be incorrect.
The grading system (A+/A/B+/B/C/D) and confidence scores aggregate multiple factors (volume, VWAP, day type, IB expansion, gap context) into a single assessment. This is a mechanical calculation, not artificial intelligence. The system cannot adapt to unprecedented market conditions or events outside its programmed logic.
Real trading involves slippage, commissions, latency, partial fills, and rejected orders not present in indicator calculations. ORB Fusion generates signals at bar close; actual fills occur with delay. Opening range forms during highest volatility (first 30 minutes)—spreads widen, slippage increases. Execution quality significantly impacts realized results.
Statistics tracking (win rates, extension levels reached, day type distribution) is based on historical bars in your lookback window. If lookback is small (<50 bars) or market regime changed, statistics may not represent future probabilities.
Users must independently validate system performance on their specific instruments, timeframes, and broker execution environment. Paper trade extensively (100+ trades minimum) before risking capital. Start with micro position sizing (5-10% of intended size) for 50+ trades to validate execution quality matches expectations.
Never risk more than you can afford to lose completely. Use proper position sizing (0.5-2% risk per trade maximum). Implement stop losses on every single trade without exception. Understand that most retail traders lose money—sophisticated indicators do not change this fundamental reality. They systematize analysis but cannot eliminate risk.
The developer makes no warranties regarding profitability, suitability, accuracy, reliability, or fitness for any purpose. Users assume full responsibility for all trading decisions, parameter selections, risk management, and outcomes.
By using this indicator, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these risk disclosures and limitations, and you accept full responsibility for all trading activity and potential losses.
[b>═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════[/b>
[b>CLOSING STATEMENT[/b>
[b>═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════[/b>
Opening Range Breakout is not a trick. It's a framework. The first 30-60 minutes reveal where participants believe value lies. Breakouts signal directional conviction. Failures signal trapped participants. Extensions define profit targets. Day types dictate strategy. Failed breakouts create the highest-probability reversals.
ORB Fusion doesn't predict the future—it identifies [b>structure[/b>, detects [b>breakouts[/b>, recognizes [b>failures[/b>, and generates [b>probabilistic trade plans[/b> with defined risk and reward.
The edge is not in the opening range itself. The edge is in recognizing when the market respects structure (follow breakouts) versus when it violates structure (fade breakouts). The edge is in detecting failures faster than discretionary traders. The edge is in systematic classification that prevents catastrophic errors—like fading a trend day or holding through rotation.
Most indicators draw lines. ORB Fusion implements a complete institutional trading methodology: Opening Range theory, Market Profile classification, failed breakout intelligence, Fibonacci projections, volume confirmation, gap psychology, and real-time performance tracking.
Whether you're a beginner learning market structure or a professional seeking systematic ORB implementation, this system provides the framework.
"The market's first word is its opening range. Everything after is commentary." — ORB Fusion
Hidden Zone Detector AI - Crypto/Forex/StockHidden Zone Detector AI - Crypto Forex Stock
Hidden Zone Detector AI is a professional TradingView indicator designed to find hidden supply and demand zones across markets — crypto, forex and stocks — and surface high-probability areas earlier than classical pivot-only methods. It combines price structure analysis, volatility/ATR sizing, volume profiling and multi-mode AI heuristics (Fast / Balanced / Accurate) to generate prediction zones, highlight tested areas, and visually mark zone breakouts. Built with practical trader workflow in mind: configurable anti-repaint options, adaptable Light/Dark UI, clear labels, and candle-coloring for immediate visual context.
How it works
• Detects hidden zones by scanning pivot formations and finding internal “hidden” bars that represent real institutional activity (not just visible swing points).
• Scores zones by size (ATR-relative), volume, and touch characteristics to produce a strength percentage (Weak/Medium/Strong).
• AI heuristics aggregate price, momentum, moving averages, RSI/MACD signals and volume patterns to propose prediction zones — adjustable for speed vs. accuracy.
• Zones are drawn as persistent boxes with optional midlines, labels, and tailored styling when broken or tested.
Main advantages
• Early edge: finds hidden zones that often act before obvious pivots.
• Actionable visuals: labeled zones, color-coded candles, and breakout styling speed decision-making.
• Flexible AI modes: choose Fast for responsiveness, Balanced for day-to-day use, or Accurate for stricter signals.
• Anti-repaint controls: require confirmed bars for predictions to improve signal reliability.
• Multi-market ready: tuned for crypto, forex and stock chart behavior.
• Light/Dark friendly: UI color handling ensures labels remain readable on any chart background.
• Open & reusable: released under Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL-2.0) — use and adapt freely with attribution.
Best practices & tips
• Start with Balanced mode and sensitivity ~5; increase sensitivity for earlier but noisier predictions.
• Use prediction confirmation (Require AI Prediction Confirmation) for lower repaint risk.
• Combine zone reads with higher-timeframe context and orderflow/volume tools for stronger entries.
• Adjust max active zones and opacity to keep charts clean on lower timeframes.
License & author
Mozilla Public License 2.0 (MPL-2.0).
Author: a_jabbaroff — created with care for the TradingView community and fellow traders.
Supply & Demand ZonesThis indicator detects high-probability supply and demand zones using a multi-step smart money concept approach:
Liquidity Sweep Detection: Identifies when price sweeps above a pivot high (supply setup) or below a pivot low (demand setup), capturing liquidity grabs by institutional traders.
Displacement Confirmation: Requires a strong displacement candle (measured by ATR and body percentage) or fair value gap (FVG/imbalance) in the opposite direction after the sweep.
Volume Confirmation: Optional filter ensures zones form only when volume exceeds the user-defined threshold, indicating institutional participation.
Smart Filtering: Built-in logic prevents overlapping zones, enforces minimum spacing between signals, and requires confirmation bars to eliminate false signals.
Zone Lifecycle Management: Zones are automatically removed when price closes through them with momentum. Breached zones can optionally "flip" to the opposite type when re-tested with strong displacement.
✨ Key Features
Clean Visual Display: Small "D" (Demand) and "S" (Supply) labels with shaded zone boxes
Non-Repainting: All signals use confirmed historical data—no lookahead or repainting
Volume Filter: Optional confirmation using volume spike detection
Zone Flip Logic: Breached demand zones can become supply (and vice versa) when violated
Overlap Prevention: Smart algorithm prevents clustered or duplicate zones
Confirmation Delay: Configurable wait period after sweep to confirm genuine setups
Customizable Inputs: Adjust pivot sensitivity, displacement thresholds, volume filters, and more
Alert Ready: Built-in alert conditions for new supply and demand zone formations
🎯 How to Add to Your Chart
Favorite the Indicator: Click the star icon to add this script to your favorites
Open Your Chart: Navigate to the asset and timeframe you want to trade (works best on 5m-1H intraday charts)
Add Indicator: Click "Indicators" at the top, search for "Supply & Demand Zones (Smart Filtered)", and add to chart
Customize Settings: Click the gear icon ⚙️ to adjust inputs based on your trading style and instrument volatility
Set Alerts: Right-click the indicator name → "Add alert" → Select "Supply Zone" or "Demand Zone" conditions
📖 How to Use
Demand Zones (Green "D" Labels):
Price swept below a swing low (liquidity grab)
Strong bullish displacement or imbalance followed
Trading Action: Look for LONG entries when price returns to the zone or on immediate continuation
Stop Loss: Place just below the zone or sweep low
Target: Next resistance level, supply zone, or risk-reward ratio target
Supply Zones (Red "S" Labels):
Price swept above a swing high (liquidity grab)
Strong bearish displacement or imbalance followed
Trading Action: Look for SHORT entries when price returns to the zone or on immediate continuation
Stop Loss: Place just above the zone or sweep high
Target: Next support level, demand zone, or risk-reward ratio target
Flipped Zones (Orange Labels):
Previous demand/supply zone was broken with strong momentum
Zone has flipped polarity and may now act as the opposite type
Trading Action: Exercise caution—wait for additional confirmation before trading flipped zones
🔍 What to Look For
High-Quality Setups:
Zone forms with above-average volume (check volume filter is enabled)
Clear liquidity sweep visible on the chart
Strong displacement candle with large body percentage
Zone aligns with overall market trend or key structure levels
Multiple timeframe confirmation (check higher timeframe for context)
Avoid These Setups:
Zones forming in choppy, low-volume conditions
Multiple overlapping zones in the same area (indicator filters these automatically)
Zones that appear immediately after news events (set confirmation bars higher)
Counter-trend zones without additional confluence
⚙️ Recommended Settings by Timeframe
5-Minute Charts (Scalping):
Pivot Lookback: 3/3
Min Displacement ATR: 0.9
Confirmation Bars: 1
Min Zone Spacing: 3-5 bars
Volume Threshold: 1.2x
15-Minute Charts (Intraday):
Pivot Lookback: 4/4 (default)
Min Displacement ATR: 1.0 (default)
Confirmation Bars: 2 (default)
Min Zone Spacing: 5-8 bars
Volume Threshold: 1.2x
1-Hour Charts (Swing Trading):
Pivot Lookback: 5/5
Min Displacement ATR: 1.2-1.5
Confirmation Bars: 3
Min Zone Spacing: 8-12 bars
Volume Threshold: 1.3x
💡 Trading Tips & Best Practices
Combine with Price Action: Use this indicator alongside candlestick patterns, support/resistance, and trendlines for confirmation
Multiple Timeframe Analysis: Check higher timeframes for overall bias and major zones
Volume is Key: Enable volume filter to focus on institutional-backed moves
Risk Management: Always use stop losses and proper position sizing
Backtesting: Test settings on your preferred instruments and timeframes before live trading
Context Matters: Consider market conditions, news events, and session times
Wait for Confirmation: Don't rush entries—wait for price reaction at the zone
⚠️ Important Disclaimers
Educational Purpose Only: This indicator is provided for educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or trading signals.
No Guarantees: Past performance and backtested results do not guarantee future results. Trading involves substantial risk of loss.
Quantura - Supply & Demand Zone DetectionIntroduction
“Quantura – Supply & Demand Zone Detection” is an advanced indicator designed to automatically detect and visualize institutional supply and demand zones, as well as breaker blocks, directly on the chart. The tool helps traders identify key areas of market imbalance and potential reversal or continuation zones, based on price structure, volume, and ATR dynamics.
Originality & Value
This indicator provides a unique and adaptive method of zone detection that goes beyond simple pivot or candle-based logic. It merges multiple layers of confirmation—volume sensitivity, ATR filters, and swing structure—while dynamically tracking how zones evolve as the market progresses. Unlike traditional supply and demand indicators, this script also detects and plots Breaker Zones when previous imbalances are violated, giving traders an extra layer of market context.
The key values of this tool include:
Automated detection of high-probability supply and demand zones.
Integration of both volume and ATR filters for precision and adaptability.
Dynamic zone merging and updating based on price evolution.
Identification of breaker blocks (invalidated zones) to visualize market structure shifts.
Optional bullish and bearish trade signals when zones are retested.
Clear, visually optimized plotting for efficient chart interpretation.
Functionality & Core Logic
The indicator continuously scans recent price data for swing highs/lows and combines them with optional volume and ATR conditions to validate potential zones.
Demand Zones are formed when price action indicates accumulation or a strong bullish rejection from a low area.
Supply Zones are created when distribution or strong bearish rejection occurs near local highs.
Breaker Blocks appear when existing zones are invalidated by price, helping traders visualize potential market structure shifts.
Bullish and bearish signals appear when price re-enters an active zone or breaks through a breaker block.
Parameters & Customization
Demand Zones / Supply Zones: Enable or disable each individually.
Breaker Zones: Activate breaker block detection for invalidated zones.
Volume Filter: Optional filter to only confirm zones when volume exceeds its long-term average by a user-defined multiplier.
ATR Filter: Optional filter for volatility confirmation, ensuring zones form under strong momentum conditions.
Swing Length: Controls the number of bars used to detect structural pivots.
Sensitivity Controls: Adjustable ATR and volume multipliers to fine-tune detection responsiveness.
Signals: Toggle for on-chart bullish (▲) and bearish (▼) signal plotting when price interacts with zones.
Color Customization: User-defined bullish and bearish colors for both standard and breaker zones.
Core Calculations
Zones are detected using pivot highs and lows with a defined lookback and lookahead period.
Additional filters apply if ATR and volume are enabled, requiring conditions like “ATR > average * multiplier” and “Volume > average * multiplier.”
Detected zones are merged if overlapping, keeping the chart clean and logical.
When price breaks through a zone, the original box is closed, and a new breaker zone is plotted automatically.
Bullish and bearish markers appear when zones are retested from the opposite side.
Visualization & Display
Demand zones are shaded in semi-transparent bullish color (default: blue).
Supply zones are shaded in semi-transparent bearish color (default: red).
Breaker zones appear when previous imbalances are broken, helping to spot structural shifts.
Optional arrows (▲ / ▼) indicate potential buy or sell reactions on zone interaction.
Use Cases
Identify institutional areas of accumulation (demand) or distribution (supply).
Detect potential breakout traps and market structure shifts using breaker zones.
Combine with other tools such as volume profile, EMA, or liquidity indicators for deeper confirmation.
Observe retests and reactions of zones to anticipate possible reversals or continuations.
Apply multi-timeframe analysis to align higher timeframe zones with lower timeframe entries.
Limitations & Recommendations
The indicator does not predict future price movement; it highlights structural imbalances only.
Performance depends on chosen swing length and sensitivity—users should optimize parameters for each market.
Works best in volatile markets where supply and demand imbalances are clearly expressed.
Should be used as part of a broader trading framework, not as a standalone signal generator.
Markets & Timeframes
The “Quantura – Supply & Demand Zone Detection” indicator is suitable for all asset classes including cryptocurrencies, Forex, indices, commodities, and equities. It performs reliably across multiple timeframes, from intraday scalping to higher timeframe swing analysis.
Author & Access
Developed 100% by Quantura. Published as a Open-source script indicator. Access is free.
Important
This description complies with TradingView’s Script Publishing and House Rules. It clearly explains the indicator’s originality, underlying logic, functionality, and intended use without unrealistic claims or performance guarantees.
