[NihabaAshi]

The discussion is really a strategy specific discussion.

Therefore, the strategy will dictate which is best to derive patterns signals (futures, index or ETF).

I use futures, index and ETF and neither has an advantage over the others.

To be specific, I currently mainly trade the Russell 2000 Emini ER2 futures via a volatility based strategy that allows me to exploit volatility.

However, I monitor the Russell 2000 Index and the exchange traded fund IWM.

Further, for me, my strategies allows for me to use all three (side by side) on my monitors and it gives me an advantage in comparison to only concentrating on one of them.

Simply, the odds increase that I do get a pattern signal when following all three instead of following just one.

Once again, those that sees an advantage in one versus the other its only because the strategy is suited for such whereas someone using a completely different strategy may see no advantage what so ever.