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.

cuttshot

NQ Traders

Recommended Posts

So over the past few weeks I have really been getting hooked on the NQ. This market seems to move great on a daily basis. I'm in the process of doing an extended backtest to see how well it holds up in different market conditions.

 

I'm curious if anyone has traded the NQ for an extended period of time. If so, does it seem to be a streaky market over time? From what I have seen going back a few months it has held up nicely over an extended period of time. I have been leaning towards looking at range charts. At the moment the candidates are a range of 1 or 2.

 

Any input from NQ traders would be appreciated. I would be interested to hear what other ranges, tick intervals, or time frames that traders are using on this market.

 

Cuttshot

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I been trading NQ for a while now. I use volume charts, and the speed of the chart will depend on the trader. I like 2500 & 8500 constant volume chart sfor NQ. It's not anything magic with those numbers, they just fits the number of setups I'm looking for each day which is around 3-4. Also I trade for 10-20 points at a time. If you want scalp, then you probably should look at 500 -1k constant volume chart.s In short, I traded Es for about 4 years and YM for about 2 years and I like NQ the best. You just have to add 3 NQ contracts to equal the same dollar amount in 1 TF contract which is another good market. NQ is a very fast market.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

thanks jajuanm2. I will have to look into those volume charts. Have you found consistent price action over time? The begining of 2010 was very choppy on the index futures. How did the NQ hold up? I haven't had a chance to work back that far in my testing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

NQ, like the other markets bounces off of support and resistance levels each day. A couple days a week you get a trend day. The key is to know where the key support and resistance levels are and to manage the trades based on that information. Try to get in near support and reduce size or close the trade near resistance. Once price get above the resistance, you can always add more size or reenter. Are you swing trading or day trading?

 

thanks jajuanm2. I will have to look into those volume charts. Have you found consistent price action over time? The begining of 2010 was very choppy on the index futures. How did the NQ hold up? I haven't had a chance to work back that far in my testing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a good NQ scalp strategy. I use a range bar of 1 and go for about 3 points on the NQ. It trades well. Both Thursday and Friday I got 6 points and was done. Not too bad considering that Friday started out slow. I will have to look at the CVB Charts and see if I can use it as a filter or maybe some way to trail.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice trading! Set a goal fo rputting together a good week, once you reach that then your next goal is a good month, then quarter. Hence, consistency will be the key, you have to focus on ways to execute with precision consistently without thinking about money. Once you do that you can just add contracts.

 

I have a good NQ scalp strategy. I use a range bar of 1 and go for about 3 points on the NQ. It trades well. Both Thursday and Friday I got 6 points and was done. Not too bad considering that Friday started out slow. I will have to look at the CVB Charts and see if I can use it as a filter or maybe some way to trail.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Jajuanm2, that is very good advice. Setting goals is key to success. Moving the account forward incrementally. I have traded the NQ for quite some time with a variety of strategies, most of them in the 4 to 8 point range. Currently I use a 2 point range bar and have had very good results. My trades of late are in the 7 point range, give or take. I find that a trailing stop works well too and I could catch some larger moves on most sessions. It's a great market, for sure.

 

I'm going to look at your longer term volume charts too. I like that idea. I think its smart to go for fewer trades to keep the trade costs down, if you can hit a reasonable winning percentage. Thanks..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Jajuanm2,

 

I am using a scalping strategy at the moment. I'm using a range chart of 1 going for 3.5 points on a target. Your longer term charts are on my list of things to look at. Had 3 trades on the NQ today all for winners. Took a partial winner on one of them so total for the day was 9 points. The NQ continues to be a hot market to trade. With the Russell products rebalancing this week the NQ is my index future of choice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nice trading ! There was some good movement in NQ today. The range was about 50 points total.

 

Jajuanm2,

 

I am using a scalping strategy at the moment. I'm using a range chart of 1 going for 3.5 points on a target. Your longer term charts are on my list of things to look at. Had 3 trades on the NQ today all for winners. Took a partial winner on one of them so total for the day was 9 points. The NQ continues to be a hot market to trade. With the Russell products rebalancing this week the NQ is my index future of choice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record here but NQ had another great day. 3 more winners for be and 30 ticks of profit. Just off to a great start this week. Tomorrow could be a little difficult with the interest rate statement tomorrow afternoon. I'm leaning towards taking the day off from the index futures.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

amcan that would make sense. we just haven't seen the big extended moves yet this week. We are just kind of bouncing back and forth (atleast during the morning session). The 1 range is more of a scalping strategy so it can catch the quick moves. Have been trading it with 6 contracts and have run into a few issues getting fills. Thats my main concern at the moment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The 1 Range looked great again today. The 2 range bar just didn't have enough juice in it to make it happen although there was one good short right around the open. Looks like the 1 range had a real good day though. FOMC is always hard. I found trading today to be quite tricky.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The volume will start to dry up after the first two hours for all equities index during the summer months. Gets worst in July and August. That could explain your fill issue.

 

amcan that would make sense. we just haven't seen the big extended moves yet this week. We are just kind of bouncing back and forth (atleast during the morning session). The 1 range is more of a scalping strategy so it can catch the quick moves. Have been trading it with 6 contracts and have run into a few issues getting fills. Thats my main concern at the moment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah thats very true jajuanm. With the 1 range I'm typically able to get done within the first 30-60 minutes when things are active. We just aren't seeing the powerful moves through targets this week. I have had a lot of trades give a quick tough of my target and that doesn't always guarantee a full fill.

 

System did great again today considering it was fed day. 3 wins and 1 loss for a positive 17 ticks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

jajuanm2 - i've been using both cvb and range bar charts lately - trading both the nq and the tf. i'm curious re what cvb settings you use for the tf. thanks in advance for your input

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Avalanch, perhaps I'm dense but what are cvb bars? Cuttshot, you've inspired me to take a closer look at the 1 range vs. the 2. The 2 has been great and I still like the fact that you can get a steady 7 point trade. The trade costs make up 1/2 the percentage per trade than the 1 range, which is good. But I like the dodge and dart idea of the 1 range too. Gonna check it out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh of course.. Dah.. Is a constant volume chart the same as a share bar chart? I know what volume charts are but just never heard it referred to as a constant volume chart.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A share bar chart is just another name for volume chart. So I guess what confused me is the term constant volume bar chart. I was wondering if it were just three different ways to describe the same kind of chart or if there is an actual difference between a volume chart (sharebar chart) and a constant volume bar chart. :doh:

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.