Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

james_gsx

james_gsx trade log

Recommended Posts

Here are two of my trades from this morning. I accidentally slept in this morning and missed most of the big move and good setups :confused:

 

Please note the reason my stops are 20 and my target is 10, I found if I kept a tighter stop I would get shaken out. This is probably due to bad timing, but with a 20 point stop I have only been stopped out a few times - it keeps me patient and my target is usually hit. I want to work on this though.

 

Both traders are color coded, light blue was first and dark blue was second. The middle line represents my entry point, top line is target, and bottom is stop.

 

Trade 1 -

  • -1000 tick long at 47 could also be a good pivot play
  • Entry 14047
  • Target 14057
  • Stop 14027
  • Stopped out
  • Should have seen ticks going below 500 and exited trade while price as 37
  • Should have seen kiss to S1 pivot act as support and gone short
  • Loss 20 pts

 

Looking back on it, I made a few mistakes. I don't think I properly read the tape, and if I did I most likely missed a few key things. The biggest mistake I see is when the price came back up to the midpoint, but couldn't break through. Also I should have looked at the ticks and saw they were still negative, and exited my position. I believe I should have turned my long position into a short once I saw the retracement to the midpoint. I was too focused on how my trade was doing, not where price was going.

 

Trade 2:

The first candle gets very close to the S1 pivot and rallies higher, I missed the trade and waited for it the price to come back down before going long. It came back down and I bought, same criteria as before.

 

  • Took S1 pivot play since I saw reasonable support
  • Entry 14024
  • Target 14034
  • Stop 14010
  • Target hit
  • + 10pts

 

That trade worked and fit my plan. But again, I don't like how my stop is so much bigger than my target. I realize if I several stops in a row are hit it could take a big toll on my account.

 

On the positive side, I never felt emotional when my stop was hit. I just looked for the next trade which was the S1 pivot and moved on.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just took another trade. This one was an ambush play, and worked out fairly well for me.

 

Entry 14036

Stop - close above .618

Target - 14030

 

I'm still trying to fine tune this trade, but I need to keep practicing the setup and taking my gains. I think 6 points is reasonable for this trade, if anyone has any feedback on what to look for as far as targets and stops please chime in.

 

ambushjuly19shortkw9.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think 6 points is reasonable on that trade because its a short amidst a major uptrend. Nice scalp trade. Notice, too, that your original trade was a 20+ point trade. I was in the same trade, and my bracket order was set in as if I had 2+ cars to take off half at +10. So I dont know what you're going for as far as targets...I think you've said it at one point...but definitely try and let the winners go. Its a battle for sure, trust me, I know. Still battling with it, but gettin' there.

 

Good work, tho, man. You're kickin ass.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

awesome post james.

 

I wonder if any market profile gurus could comment on that first trade. I still cant see the actual profile, still not done with mind over markets, but i would assume we were out of value around the pivot on the first trade? From that information would you have been biased to playing a break through of that pivot on the short side towards value?

 

James, I hear you on the 10/20 target stop as a newb and getting shaken. The problem though is that you need massive positive expectancy to just break even with that over time. I imagine scaling out and moving the stop takes care of this to a degree but that doesnt work with one contract. Even with that though it just seems there has to be a way to make this more algorithmic than just pulling round numbers out of a hat.

 

anyone have any thoughts on that? that was my main interest with the data mining thread i made. Something like if you knew the range up and down from your setup over the past week you could set your stops/target with better probability than random round numbers. I mean market conditions are not that much different than a week ago, even if market conditions totally changed dramatically tomarrow you would still only be totally off for a week.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey darthtrader,

 

At the point in question for the first trade, price was at/near the developing value area low. Nice location for a long. As for the data mining, my stops are always placed at pivot areas based on recent trading.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The reason I went long on that first trade was because it was a retracement and we had been moving higher earlier in the day before going sideways. What I should have seen though was the rejection when we moved back into the mid point, that should have been my signal to exit the long and go short.

 

My biggest problem is looking at the big picture. It's easy to focus on one or two things, then completely miss something else. But if I continue to try looking at the big picture with every trade, then I will be successful.

 

I took a third trade that I'm not going to post here. It was a quick scalp at the S1 midpoint breakout for 5 points - so I dug myself out of that 20 pt loss.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What time frames are you watching? I assume thats a 5min for the big chart in the middle, right? One thing Ive been working on with my coach is the bigger picture. I have a 15min chart as my main chart that I watch for direction and setups. When something starts setting up, I drill down to a 5min chart and watch for my entry. When I enter, I move back to the 15min and watch for exits. Im trying my butt off to not exit intra-bar and wait for the close. That's harder than I ever thought it would be...but worth the wait. It keeps me out of any noise that I'm not good at playing inside of.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'll set hard stops based on prior market pivots on a 5min chart. For the amount of points you're taking, a 3min chart is good. But, for the stops you're using...20 points is too much imo.

 

For instance...the trade you took long at 024, why have a 20 point stop there? If price goes below that yellow line you have drawn around 021, is it likely to continue going down? At that point, I'd want to be out, especially if I was scalping looking for small ticks.

 

And, after you got your 10 ticks of profit, that point was broken and the YM dipped down to 14000. Tight stop, tight reward. My trade I took at 021 was a little later in the day now that I look at it. My stop was under the bar that broke out of the 30min opening range, giving me an 11 tick stop. The trade ended up going on for 30+ points, though I would've gotten out around 20 points.

 

So, thats how I utilize stops more so than an arbitrary round number.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Okay, I see what you're saying. It was a scalp trade, not a pivot trade so I should have set the stop tight. I was setting the stop as if it were a pivot play and was worried about getting shaken out. I should have just looked at where the next pivot was, and realized where the price would be going.

 

I seem to be doing a lot of counter trend trades, which is okay for scalping and having a small account. But eventually I want to trade with more contracts and look for bigger moves, so definitely looking at the big picture is something I need to learn how to do.

 

I'm surprised I did as well as I did today - I definitely screwed up. I went to bed too late and wasn't fully prepared. I slept through my alarm and still traded, a big no-no since I wasn't 100%. Trading is a profession, and I need to treat it as such.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Okay heres a quick trade I did on the NQ. You'll see the the test to the S1 pivot the blue candle, I went short there for a quick scalp. I wanted to take advantage of the test, theoretically price would have resisted going to the pivot and fell back, and I wanted to take advantage of that. I entered on the blue tick, and got out on the red.

 

o Entry short 2055.00

o Stop 2056.00

o Target 2054.00

o Target hit + 1.00 NQ

 

As you can see I kept my stop tighter this time as I knew it was a scalp. I also knew if it moved into 2056 that we would most likely be going higher, no point in risking more capital that that if that makes sense. I'm finding more and more that my "pivot plays" are more or less quick scalps to test the first reaction. I need to tailer my plan to fit this move since I think it may end up working out pretty well for me.

 

pivotscalpjuly17nqxm2.jpg

 

 

Thats all I can enter in for today. Thanks for any and all input.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well here are my 3 scalps from yesterday. They were all profitable for a total of 20 ym points. I went into the day knowing I was a scalper and that seemed to help a lot. I kept my stop losses tight, as well as my targets and I looked for scalper setups.

 

• Quick scalp after fast fall

• Entry 912

• Target 920

• Stop 904

• Target hit

 

scalpjulyym18kl2.jpg

 

• Another quick scalp after fast rise

• Entry 13938

• Target 13933

• Stop 13942

• Target hit

 

scalpshortjluy18ymjj9.jpg

 

• Scalper trade

• Entry 13925

• Target 13932

• Stop 13921

• Target hit

 

scalplong2july18ez3.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you're using the pivots to scalp as a test of the strength of of the move to the pivot, have you found yourself taking a longer term position after you exit your scalp trade?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No, I don't but thats a good idea. I won't start taking the long term trade but I'll start taking notes and see if maybe I can incorporate it into my plan.

 

 

And if any of you have been wondering where I've been.. We just started our biggest sale of the year, it's been unbelievably busy and I haven't had any time at all. Today is my first day off since last Wednesday. I'm not trading since I don't have a plan, but I am watching and learning.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Finally back to trading, I will post some charts later today but heres a quick look at what is going on today.

 

 

4 YM scalps, 4 winners for 32 YM

2 NQ scalps 2 winners for 3.50 NQ

 

I'm trying a few different time frames today (1min, 3min, etc). The 1 minute seems to be working out very well for scalp and I can handle my emotion. But I still like the 3 minute for some reason, the 1 minute moves around so much it's hard to tell what's really going on - but i have caught a few good breakouts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yesterday I finished with 107 YM and 3.50 NQ

 

Today I only traded YM and finished with 85 YM - mostly testing a new setup that seemed to work pretty well with the volatility. Basically I found a way to scalp breakout tests. I'll post up charts later (maybe). I took the last 2 hours of the day off today because I had done so well - I didn't want to get greedy and over trade. These last two days have been extremely successful and one of the few days that I'll be able to get those kind of returns.

 

If I find time tonight I'll post up some charts and some of my notes. I had a few bad trades today with the new setup, but for the most part I did well. Yesterday I started making emotional trades and was able to identify them and quickly exit - and make note of it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am rather happy of this trade, I saw a h&s setup on the 1 minute chart and set a short after the neckline broke. Once I saw the candle slow down I covered the position and let the rest of it ride out. Don't worry about the other lines, I was just setting up a breakout trade and wanted to know what my entry and target should be.

 

headanshouldersshortjulgx0.jpg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Date: 11th July 2025.   Demand For Gold Rises As Trump Announces Tariffs!   Gold prices rose significantly throughout the week as investors took advantage of the 2.50% lower entry level. Investors also return to the safe-haven asset as the US trade policy continues to escalate. As a result, investors are taking a more dovish tone. The ‘risk-off’ appetite is also something which can be seen within the stock market. The NASDAQ on Thursday took a 0.90% dive within only 30 minutes.   Trade Tensions Escalate President Trump has been teasing with new tariffs throughout the week. However, the tariffs were confirmed on Thursday. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1st, along with 50% tariffs on copper and goods from Brazil. Some experts are advising that Brazil has been specifically targeted due to its association with the BRICS.   However, the President has not directly associated the tariffs with BRICS yet. According to President Trump, Brazil is targeting US technology companies and carrying out a ‘witch hunt’against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally who is currently facing prosecution for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2022 Brazilian election.   Although Brazil is one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the Americas, it is not the main concern for investors. Investors are more concerned about Tariffs on Canada. The White House said it will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1st, raised from the earlier 25% rate. This covers most goods, with exceptions under USMCA and exemptions for Canadian companies producing within the US.   It is also vital for investors to note that Canada is among the US;’s top 3 trading partners. The increase was justified by Trump citing issues like the trade deficit, Canada’s handling of fentanyl trafficking, and perceived unfair trade practices.   The President is also threatening new measures against the EU. These moves caused US and European stock futures to fall nearly 1%, while the Dollar rose and commodity prices saw small gains. However, the main benefactor was Silver and Gold, which are the two best-performing metals of the day.   How Will The Fed Impact Gold? The FOMC indicated that the number of members warming up to the idea of interest rate cuts is increasing. If the Fed takes a dovish tone, the price of Gold may further rise. In the meantime, the President pushing for a 3% rate cut sparked talk of a more dovish Fed nominee next year and raised worries about future inflation.   Meanwhile, jobless claims dropped for the fourth straight week, coming in better than expected and supporting the view that the labour market remains strong after last week’s solid payroll report. Markets still expect two rate cuts this year, but rate futures show most investors see no change at the next Fed meeting. Gold is expected to finish the week mostly flat.       Gold 15-Minute Chart     If the price of Gold increases above $3,337.50, buy signals are likely to materialise again. However, the price is currently retracing, meaning traders are likely to wait for regained momentum before entering further buy trades. According to HSBC, they expect an average price of $3,215 in 2025 (up from $3,015) and $3,125 in 2026, with projections showing a volatile range between $3,100 and $3,600   Key Takeaway Points: Gold Rises on Safe-Haven Demand. Gold gained as investors reacted to rising trade tensions and market volatility. Canada Tariffs Spark Concern. A 35% tariff on Canadian imports drew attention due to Canada’s key trade role. Fed Dovish Shift Supports Gold. Growing expectations of rate cuts and Trump’s push for a 3% cut boosted the gold outlook. Gold Eyes Breakout Above $3,337.5. Price is consolidating; a move above $3,337.50 could trigger new buy signals. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.   Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • Back in the early 2000s, Netflix mailed DVDs to subscribers.   It wasn’t sexy—but it was smart. No late fees. No driving to Blockbuster.   People subscribed because they were lazy. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone else is lazy too.   Those who saw the future in that red envelope? They could’ve caught a 10,000%+ move.   Another story…   Back in the mid-2000s, Amazon launched Prime.   It wasn’t flashy—but it was fast.   Free two-day shipping. No minimums. No hassle.   People subscribed because they were impatient. Investors bought the stock because they realized everyone hates waiting.   Those who saw the future in that speedy little yellow button? They could’ve caught another 10,000%+ move.   Finally…   Back in 2011, Bitcoin was trading under $10.   It wasn’t regulated—but it worked.   No bank. No middleman. Just wallet to wallet.   People used it to send money. Investors bought it because they saw the potential.   Those who saw something glimmering in that strange orange coin? They could’ve caught a 100,000%+ move.   The people who made those calls weren’t fortune tellers. They just noticed something simple before others did.   A better way. A quiet shift. A small edge. An asymmetric bet.   The red envelope fixed late fees. The yellow button fixed waiting. The orange coin gave billions a choice.   Of course, these types of gains are rare. And they happen only once in a blue moon. That’s exactly why it’s important to notice when the conditions start to look familiar.   Not after the move. Not once it's on CNBC. But in the quiet build-up— before the surface breaks.   Enter the Blue Button Please read more here: https://altucherconfidential.com/posts/netflix-amazon-bitcoin-blue  Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/ 
    • What These Attacks Look Like There are several ways you could get hacked. And the threats compound by the day.   Here’s a quick rundown:   Phishing: Fake emails from your “bank.” Click the link, give your password—game over.   Ransomware: Malware that locks your files and demands crypto. Pay up, or it’s gone.   DDoS: Overwhelm a website with traffic until it crashes. Like 10,000 bots blocking the door. Often used by nations.   Man-in-the-Middle: Hackers intercept your messages on public WiFi and read or change them.   Social Engineering: Hackers pose as IT or drop infected USB drives labeled “Payroll.”   You don’t need to be “important” to be a target.   You just need to be online.   What You Can Do (Without Buying a Bunker) You don’t have to be tech-savvy.   You just need to stop being low-hanging fruit.   Here’s how:   Use a YubiKey (physical passkey device) or Authenticator app – Ditch text message 2FA. SIM swaps are real. Hackers often have people on the inside at telecom companies.   Use a password manager (with Yubikey) – One unique password per account. Stop using your dog’s name.   Update your devices – Those annoying updates patch real security holes. Use them.   Back up your files – If ransomware hits, you don’t want your important documents held hostage.   Avoid public WiFi for sensitive stuff – Or use a VPN.   Think before you click – Emails that feel “urgent” are often fake. Go to the websites manually for confirmation.   Consider Starlink in case the internet goes down – I think it’s time for me to make the leap. Don’t Panic. Prepare. (Then Invest.)   I spent an hour in that basement bar reading about cyberattacks—and watching real-world systems fall apart like dominos.   The internet going down used to be an inconvenience. Now, it’s a warning.   Cyberwar isn’t coming. It’s here.   And the next time your internet goes out, it might not just be your router.   Don’t panic. Prepare.   And maybe keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Like a local basement bar with good bourbon—and working WiFi.   As usual, we’re on the lookout for more opportunities in cybersecurity. Stay tuned.   Author: Chris Campbell (AltucherConfidential) Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/   
    • DUMBSHELL:  re the automation of corruption ---  200,000 "Science Papers" in academic journal database PubMed may have been AI-generated with errors, hallucinations and false sourcing 
    • Does any crypto exchanges get banned in your country? How's about other as Bybit, Kraken, MEXC, OKX?
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.