Mastering the Intraday Sutra: An intraday trading strategy

Mastering the Intraday Sutra: A Professional Guide to Trading Indian Markets with Precision
(Adapting Globex Strategy-Inspired Concepts to India’s Unique Trading Hours)
Introduction
The Intraday Sutra strategy is a systematic approach designed for India’s equity/futures markets, inspired by the principles of identifying key price levels (similar to the Globex "high/low" concept) but tailored to India’s fixed trading hours (9:15 AM – 3:30 PM). This strategy leverages prior-day price action, supply-demand zones, and disciplined risk management to capitalize on intraday opportunities. Below, we break down its components for clarity and repeatability.

Strategy Overview
1. Core Instruments
Indices: All indices
Stocks: Nifty 50 constituents for alignment with index momentum

2. Ideal Time Frames
5-minute charts: For granular entry/exit precision.
15-minute charts: To filter noise and align with broader intraday trends.

Key Levels: Prior-Day High/Low & Supply-Demand Zones
1. Plotting Prior-Day High (PDH) and Prior-Day Low (PDL)
Purpose: These levels act as psychological benchmarks.
Method:
- Manually mark PDH/PDL on your chart.
- Use Trading View indicators (e.g., “Previous Day High-Low”) for automation.

2. Identifying Supply-Demand Zones
-Supply Zone:
- Formation: Rally → Base → Drop (RBD) or Drop → Base → Drop (DBD).
- Action: Potential sell zone; price often reverses downward here.
- Demand Zone:
- Formation: Drop → Base → Rally (DBR) or Rally → Base → Rally (RBR).
- Action: Potential buy zone; price often reverses upward here.

Zone Validation Rules:
1. Structure: The “base” (consolidation) must be ≤6 candles; the breakout must show ≥2 impulsive candles.
2. Freshness: Only trade untested zones (no prior price interaction).
3. Zone Merging: Combine overlapping zones or prioritize the one with the best risk-reward ratio.

Entry & Trade Triggers
1. Breakout Confirmation
Short Entry: Triggered when price breaks above prior-day high (PDH) and retests a fresh supply zone.
Long Entry: Triggered when price breaks below prior-day low (PDL) and retests a fresh demand zone.

2. Order Placement
Buy Limit Orders: Set at the demand zone’s proximal line
Sell Limit Orders: Set at the supply zone’s proximal line

Risk Management Framework
1. Stop Loss Placement
Long Trades: Below the demand zone (mechanical rule) or 5% of the Daily Average True Range (ATR) below the distal line of demand
Short Trades: Above the supply zone (mechanical rule) or 5% of Daily ATR above the distal line of supply

2. Position Sizing
Risk ≤1-2% of capital per trade to preserve longevity.

Trade Management & Profit Targets
1. Initial Target: 2:1 Risk-Reward (2R).
Example: If risking ₹1000, target ₹2000 profit.
2. Trailing Stop : Move stop loss to breakeven at 2R, then trail for 3R+ using price structure (e.g., swing lows/highs).
3. Priority: Focus on “A+ Setups” where zones align with higher timeframes (for example a 5 mins zone within a 15 mins zone or higher)

Critical Success Factors
1. Timing is Everything
Optimal Entry Window: 9:15 AM – 11:00 AM (peak liquidity, institutional participation).
Avoid Late Trades: Post-2:00 PM entries often lack momentum for robust risk-reward outcomes.

2. Confluence with Higher Timeframes
- Strengthen signals by aligning 5/15-minute zones with hourly/daily support/resistance/supply/demand zones

3. Event-Driven Volatility
Capitalize on gaps from overnight global news (e.g., US Fed, crude oil prices) or domestic catalysts (RBI policies, earnings).

Tools & Execution
Charting: Trading View for automated PDH/PDL and zone plotting
Mindset: Discipline to avoid overtrading and stick to fresh zones.

Example: The example taken here is on the Nifty 15 mins chart. See how the price broke the previous day's low and reacted nicely from a prior higher quality demand zone. These levels can act as trap levels trapping most of the retail traders and investors on the opposite side of the trade. The price gave a nice bounce from the demand zone and went on to rally to the opposing supply zone giving a greater than 3:1 R:R.

Conclusion
The Intraday Sutra strategy combines technical precision with rigorous risk management, offering a structured way to navigate India’s time-bound markets. By focusing on prior-day extremes, fresh supply-demand zones, and strategic timing, traders can systematically exploit intraday inefficiencies. Remember: Consistency beats complexity. Back test rigorously, refine your process, and let discipline drive profitability.

Final Note: Always validate this strategy in a simulated environment before deploying live capital. Use Trading View Bar Replay functionality to test your strategy.
Markets evolve—stay adaptive!