FOREX-unlimited Market Journal

Rather than constantly posting new threads in random places each time an opportunity presents itself, I’ve decided to centralize all our trades to one thread.

Going forward, I’ll be using this thread solely to post analysis/setups/topics for discussion.

Will add one of those nice long posts describing strategies employed/theoreticals etc, etc soon.

For an idea of our strategies/educational advice/market analysis, check these posts:

[ul]
[li]How did you trade NFP? 4/4/2014
[/li][li]NZDJPY Long intraday 4/2/2014
[/li][li]GBPUSD Turning Over?
[/li][li]American Spring + USDJPY = Bust out the shorts!
[/li][li]EURUSD - Buyers Beware?
[/li][li]Why do you trade candlestick signals?
[/li][/ul]

First opportunity this new trading week - long AUDUSD @ 9250 - 9260 demand zone.
Target is just under 9272.


Will update post w/ detailed analysis this evening.

HD Link to images:
H4 Chart

Profit target hit:


HD Link to image

Will update post later w/ much more details/analysis.


H1 Chart


M15 Chart

The Kiwi has printed a substantial bull leg which appears to be a bit extended. Approaching our 8670 - 8690 Intraday supply zone, the pair is showing signs of weakness and indications of a pullback. As bulls begin to cover and trail stops behind the most recent logical swing points, price will naturally start to pull back as less and less buy orders flood the market - thus decreasing the overwhelming presence of demand. As those stops get triggered / buyers secure profit sometimes you can see a violent sell-off to the downside (especially if bears step in).

This trade was placed using one of our intraday momentum divergence strategies. From a technical standpoint, the stochastics momentum indicator is embedded on the H4 and H1 charts. As mentioned many times, newer traders need to be wary of this, and simply not buy “oversold” conditions and sell “overbought” environments - this is not the proper way to use STOCH. When the indicator becomes embedded, it usually acts as a contrarian signal - in other words, if the momentum is pinned in an overbought level (such as it is now), further upside can be just around the corner for the underlying instrument (and vice versa - if the indicator is “pinned” to the oversold side, further downside may be ahead).

The M15 chart though is where our signal to get short was fired off. There was a nice ascending wedge/coil pattern which was broken on the stochastics indicator , that corresponded with an ascending channel formation and our intraday supply zone. Limit is logical and self-explanatory per the chart. The reliance on any “one” piece of information over the other does not exist in our trading plan - i.e. stochastics, supply zone, technical patterns, recent price action - all are accounted for equally before a position is ever taken.

The pair may see a retest of 8700. In which case, we’ll re-analyze our position and either consider going flat, or taking an additional small position.

HD Links to images:
H1
M15


H4 Chart


H1 Chart

Contrary to popular belief, investing doesn’t solely involve “buying low and selling high”. Sometimes, the savvy trader will need to employ a strategy which takes on the approach of “buying high, and selling higher”. Then again, “high” and “low” are terms which can be deemed rather subjective. Nonetheless, we’ve built the case for a EURUSD breakout about 1.38.

Take a look @ the first chart provided- the H4. Using our intraday momentum divergence strategy, we’ve spotted a significant shift in near-term sentiment. To begin, the pair is now trading slightly above the 1.38 level off the heels of a strong bull leg which covered nearly 120pts in just two days off 1.37 lows. Intraday here’s what we’re seeing:

[ul]
[li]Points A, B, C - Notice how each time sellers attempted to push prices lower, buyers stepped in with increasing strength and conviction. A wave = 73 points (close to close), B wave = 93pts, C wave = 101pts. Each time, sellers were able to make lower highs and lower lows. But, the overall bearish gains are flattening out.
[/li][li]From the low of Point A close to the low of Point B close is 50pts. From B to C is 9pts.
[/li][li]From the high of Point A close to the high of Point B close is 33pts. From B to C is 10 pts.
[/li][li]This is communicating a major shift in momentum - one which favors further upside on the pair. The shift is further confirmed via our intraday momentum indicator (Stochastics 14,3,3). We’re seeing multiple divergence points on the H4.
[/li][/ul]

Also provided is the H1 chart, which shows a major rotation in the indicator, yet a lack of follow through from sellers to pin the indicator in oversold territory. The H4 is starting to become embedded - which is another powerful signal of a potential breakout (embedded Stochastics need to play traded as a contrarian signal- i.e. simply can’t sell overbought levels and buy oversold levels).

The pair is trading within a significant swap level, which inherently adds a breakout bias. Our trade was filled yesterday @ NY close a hair under 1.38. Near term targets are 3850 with 3950 in sights if the former is broken.

What does all this equate to? Well, with each push back from sellers, buyers were happy and more than willing to run the pair up twice as fast each time. This conveys the underlying order flow and imbalance between supply and demand. Seeing a few doji’s right underneath the key level is also an enhancement as this is indicative of some hesitation, which leads to constriction, which then fuels breakouts.

HD Links to Images
[B][U]H4 Chart[/U][/B]
[B][U]H1 Chart[/U][/B]

Update on EURUSD long:
Position flattened out - limit hit @ 3845.


HD Link to image
H4 Chart

It begs to be asked - how many novice traders out there traded off any of the 3 bearish Pinbar candlesticks, which lined up with the descending trendline, at the swing high point of the bull leg top?

Answer - probably one too many unfortunately.

Update on NZDUSD trade:


NZDUSD H1 LOSS


NZDJPY H1 PROFIT


NZDJPY M15 PROFIT

Covered the $NZDUSD short under the 8675 handle for an average 44pt loss. However, there was an opportunity to get long on the NZD to capitalize on some strength vs. the Yen overnight, which netted NZD positions up 8pts on average for the day. Sometimes investors need to be wary that a position may move against them initially and not to hit the panic button. Instead, in certain circumstances one may be able to find an opportunity to capitalize on the initial negativity of the position.

The $NZDJPY is our favorite pair to trade on triple roll day. Now, it’s not as easy as simply buying willy-nilly @ any point during the day and holding out for the triple interest - that wouldn’t make sense for obvious reasons. But, if you can spot some intraday momentum divergence, near a key level - a low risk, high reward trade can be taken which has a little bonus added to it @ 5PM EST. The second chart provided is the $NZDJPY triple roll trade for this week.

NZDJPY Breakdown:
With the end of last week’s trading session, the pair started to range out as momentum coiled (Point A) - Those environments are prime for breakouts (Pink markings). Heading into the open of London session Tuesday morning, bulls tried to mount an attempt at the recent highs around 8920 (Point B), only to fail to print a higher high. However, this was key mathematically as the Stochastics momentum indicator fired off a divergence signal (Blue line). Monitoring the break to the downside live, intraday price action was not confirming additional selling pressure after NY close 4/8/14 (Point C). First position was taken under 88.50 , then added to @ 88 - i.e. formation of the double bottom (M15 chart). Notice how the word used here was formation, not confirmation - two different things / two different strategies.

Entry @ confirmation involves late entry via the form of reliance on a candlestick signal / pattern. Entry @ formation involves entry @ the level, with the lowest risk, highest reward opportunity. For the Yen cross trade, if the pair decided to rifle up and hit our limit, then the second entry would not have been needed. The second entry was taken based on monitoring PA live when it came back down to test the most recent swing low. 2 weeks in a row now w/ triple roll bagged on the NZDJPY.

HD LINKS TO IMAGES
NZDUSD H1
NZDJPY H1
NZDJPY M15

Just to let you know, there are subforums for journals.

[QUOTE=“elephant;619767”]Just to let you know, there are subforums for journals.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for commenting.
Considering changing the name of the thread as of this point because of pure semantics.
The thread is more of a hybrid journal/educational platform to not only share market analysis and trade ideas, but, to primarily interject educational advice for newer traders in each post as well.

My main focus is to illustrate a specific approach to trading using live examples and providing solid analysis so that anyone interested in this style of trading can learn alongside our posts, and see the strategies implemented real-time.

Take care,
Jake

USDJPY @ 101.50 - Line in the Sand? We Think so… 4/10/2014

A rather compelling week of trading has led the Yen to shed nearly 300 points as we approach the close of NY markets ahead of the Friday session. The pair hesitated for a session @ the 103 level before sellers stepped in heavy to evaporate any semblance of bulls. Given the current technicals, an opportunity has presented itself to go long @ 101.50. Here’s why…


D1 CHART
Our D1 analysis has shifted from bearish earlier this week to bullish/sideways for the coming weeks ahead. Price is now trading @ a key technical swap zone between 101.65 - 101.15. The pair traced out a massive bullish triangle, and a key trendline is serving as technical support dating back to 1/28/2013. Additional reversal signals of the current bear wave exist as well: A small 40 point DOJI printed for yesterday’s session - alongside the lack of committed sellers today. We’ll never advocate taking a position based on a single candlestick formation. Rather, the location of where the candle formed and why is much more important and to be relied upon. Think about what a DOJI represents - hesitation. Hesitation represents an opportunity for opposing market forces to capitalize and make an effort to push back.


INTRADAY
Breaking down the H4 chart, the Yen is coming of the heels of an impressive shedding of nearly 300 points (as mentioned above). A key channel break 4/3 was followed-up by a strong push by sellers to breach our demand zone. Our initial entry (for 1/2 risk) was @ the proximal line of our swap level (@ 101.65). Buyers attempted to make a run after our initial entry earlier this week, but sellers overwhelmed and pinned the pair - momentum lead to further selling, but, not @ rates previously mounted - which is key. Our intraday momentum divergence strategy fired off a signal which indicates momentum may be turning over, which is confirmed by an increase in volatility (presence of buyers) just above / within the defined trading zone.

If bulls want to retest the 104 swing point, they’ll need to get through the 103 sticky zone first. Bears may try to push one more time @ breaching the prior lows from mid-March. Prints with conviction beneath 101.75 - 101.60 may expose further downside for the pair. Set limits logically. Then set phasers to stun.

HD links to images
D1 Chart
H4 Chart

USDollar to Find Demand @ 10,400? 4/11/2014


2/27/2014 D1 USDollar Chart

Here’s the 2/27 corresponding analysis:
[ul]
[li]Point A- Buyers continue to test 10626 - 10614 zone with no real conviction. Multiple long wick rejections- sellers are simply accumulating any buy orders and holding the line.
[/li][li]Point B- Still in-between the two key levels, with a slightly more bearish tone now. Be wise and don’t chase a setup (unless you’re playing intraday levels.
[/li][li]Point C- A potential retest of 10530 - 10508 may see a round of fresh buyers. Intraday analysis will provide detail as to whether or not this level will fold.
[/li][li]Point D- a strong daily close between 10,500 exposes a deeper correction.
[/li][/ul]


D1 Chart


H4 Chart

First identified in our 2/27/2014 USDollar FX Impact Report, the greenback may find some demand @ our 10,406 proximal level. Heading into the weekend, one can’t expect major market participants to put on any significant positions. However, expect some volatility early in the following trading week as near-term counter trend bulls may step in to stop the bleeding within our defined demand zone.

There were two better than expected releases shortly ago (Core PPI and PPI), but, the news barely impacted the USDollar with a mere 10 point spike in volatility printing - which is to be expected. Remember, the USDollar Index is an equally weighted average of the USD vs. EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY. So, placing trades solely using this index (I.E. if the USDollar is showing bullish signs, only taking positions on the majors which favor the USD to the topside) is not advised. Instead, we can use this index as a piece of confirmation - not total confirmation that is.

First chart is our defined demand zone from late-February 2014. For the last month we’ve been monitoring the pair as it made it’s progression through the 10,530 area and now sits gently above demand @ 10,400. We’re seeing strong selling into the level - which is good, and price is trading near a key trendline from 3 years ago. When a trendline is that obvious on a chart, it’s obvious to EVERYONE. Now, trades aren’t placed solely off trendlines - trades are placed in areas where market participants expect supply to overcome demand and vice versa. Given our technical analysis, we feel the USD can see some near-term sideways to bullish movements over the coming weeks.

It was just a waiting game for prices to get this cheap. Our short positions are flat as of now, and longs have been initiated @ 10,400. If sellers can breach 10,350 with strong supporting momentum, the instrument may be exposed to further downside. However, bulls can target 10,500 with 10,600 in sight. The H4 chart provided is a synopsis of the intraday projected pathway. Now, the USD can obviously trade either way, but, experience dictates that after the bearish breakout, we may see a retest of the structure’s floor. Sellers will either come in to protect the lows or buyers will overwhelm and target the highs.

In Supply/Demand trading theory, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are utilized to represent the closest “support” or “resistance” level of a zone. When defining demand (i.e. price is trading above a zone such as in the above charts), the proximal line will be the ceiling of the zone - i.e. the top of the zone closest to price. The distal line is the floor of the zone - i.e. the bottom of the rectangle furthest from price. The opposite is true for defining supply zones (proximal on the bottom, distal on the top).

HD Links to Images
2/27/2014 D1 USDollar Chart
D1 Chart
H4 Chart

The USDJPY longs initiated yesterday may correspond well with the above-mentioned USDollar potential signs of coming strength. Traders should be looking to buy into weakness and sell into strength. Mostly any investment vehicle has the same common principle of momentum/elasticity. When a pair travels “very far” in one direction primarily, there can sometimes be an almost “rubber-band-like” effect in which if momentum starts to shift, price can rocket back in the original direction.

Especially after a breakout of a key level.

Wanted to share one more analysis this morning. Don’t have the time right now to break it down heavy, but, the charts should at least communicate our bias.

Will flavor it up later.

USDCAD SHORT


H4 Chart


H1 Chart

Although this may seem contrary to what I just mentioned above, there are strategies around taking a position such as this. And, one needs to remember that correlation is not cause for trade entry. Just b/c the USDollar may find strength, doesn’t mean it may not find weakness against the CAD - which is what price action is dictating right now to us.

HD Links to images:
H4
H1

USOil Sell-Off Held @ 103? 4/15/2014


Crude touched the 105 - 104.50 supply level during the Asia session to start this 3rd trading week of April, and has since shed roughly $1.50 / barrel. Price is trading just above a key swap level @ 103, where there has been demand to buy shortly after NY open this morning (as of writing, USOil is @ 103.50 / barrel).

Ahead of the 105 supply level, we saw an increase in volatility earlier this week which is indicative of counter trend market participants attempting to bring prices lower. From a technical standpoint, there is a lack of buying momentum as of late, which bears may take advantage of over the coming sessions in an attempt to breach 103. The instrument is carving out a H&S tech pattern - but, don’t count your chickens before they hatch. We’re seeing the largest presence of sellers currently since earlier this month.

Bulls looking to resume are getting long @ 103 with hopes of attacking 105 - 104.50 again to open up further topside. However, there are clear signs of momentum divergence on intraday timeframes, and if buyers are to mount a second chance on 105 they’ll need to clear 103.85 first. Failure to do so may result in long covering - in which bears can step in @ higher prices and attempt to breach 103. A close beneath 103 exposes demand @ 102.

HD Link to Image:
H4 Chart