MW Futures Liquidity ScalperMW Futures Liquidity Scalper - ICT-Inspired Algorithmic Trading
A comprehensive ICT (Inner Circle Trader) inspired strategy that automates liquidity pool detection, fair value gap (FVG) analysis, and precision entries for futures and forex markets. This strategy implements institutional trading concepts with customizable filters, multi-timeframe confirmation, and complete risk management.
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🎯 What This Strategy Does
This strategy scans the market for areas where stop losses cluster (liquidity pools), identifies price imbalances (FVGs), and places precision entries when conditions align. It automates the "liquidity hunt" concept: tracking where institutions sweep stops before price reverses.
The key principle: Time first, then price. Configure when to trade, which liquidity to target, and how to enter - the strategy handles the rest.
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📊 How The Algorithm Works
Step 1 - Liquidity Mapping: Calculates session highs (buy-side liquidity/BSL) and lows (sell-side liquidity/SSL) at your chosen intervals
Step 2 - Bias Detection: More BSL than SSL = bearish bias. More SSL than BSL = bullish bias
Step 3 - FVG Search: Finds the first valid Fair Value Gap matching your size requirements and current bias
Step 4 - Filter Check: Validates all enabled filters (EMA, NWOG/NDOG, orderflow, correlation, macro time)
Step 5 - Entry Placement: Places limit order at FVG boundary with configured slippage
Step 6 - Exit Management: Sets take profits at opposing liquidity pools, manages trailing stops and breakeven
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🔑 Core Concepts Explained
Liquidity Pools
Areas where stop losses cluster - above swing highs (BSL/blue lines) or below swing lows (SSL/red lines). Institutions often sweep these zones before reversing. Darker colors indicate pools that have been purged.
Fair Value Gaps (FVGs)
Price imbalances from aggressive moves where 3-candle wicks don't overlap. These act as entry zones. Green = bullish, Red = bearish, Blue = invalid/neutral.
First Presentation
The first FVG after session start (Asia 18:30, London 00:30, NY AM 09:30, NY PM 13:30 NY time). Used until the next session begins.
2022 Model
Only searches for FVGs after a liquidity pool is purged. Loops backward from the sweep to find the enabling FVG - often used for IFVG (Inverse FVG) trades.
Volume Imbalance
When candle bodies don't touch within an FVG, extends the FVG boundaries for more precise entries.
Premium/Discount
Above 50% of a range = premium (favorable for shorts). Below 50% = discount (favorable for longs).
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⚙️ Key Features
Liquidity Detection
• Configurable calculation intervals: 15-minute, 30-minute, or hourly
• Optional AM Opening Range (09:30-10:00 NY)
• Daily reset at 18:00 NY time
• Visual tracking of BSL (blue) and SSL (red) levels
FVG Analysis
• Minimum/maximum FVG size filters (handles)
• Skip invalid FVGs to find next valid one
• Volume imbalance integration
• Four session-based first presentation options
• 2022 Model for post-purge entries
Orderflow Filters
• Short-Term (STH/STL) - 3-candle swings (yellow)
• Intermediate-Term (ITH/ITL) - higher-degree swings (purple)
• Long-Term (LTH/LTL) - major swing structure (green)
• Premium/discount zones for each level
• Automatic bias shift when levels are taken
Direction Filters
• NDOG: New Day Opening Gap - gap between 16:59 and 18:00
• NWOG: New Week Opening Gap - Friday close to Sunday open
• EMA Filters: 9/18 EMA crossovers on daily, weekly, or custom timeframes
• Macro Time: Trade only during xx:50 to xx:10 windows
• Midnight Filter: Use 00:00 NY close as bias reference
Correlation Filters
• Compare with any ticker using 9/18 EMA
• Positive correlation: both must align
• Negative correlation: must be opposite (e.g., NQ long when DXY short)
• Available on weekly, daily, and custom timeframes
Risk Management
• Three stoploss placement methods (FVG boundary, 2nd candle, 1st candle)
• Configurable min/max stoploss sizes
• Trailing stoploss (close-based or high/low)
• Auto-breakeven after first TP with handle offset
• Option to skip breakeven during avoidance times
Position Sizing
• Topstep 50k/100k/150k presets with proper limits
• AMP Live margin-based sizing
• Custom daily loss, drawdown, and contract limits
• Max risk per trade with automatic contract scaling
Entry Precision
• Entry slippage: positive = outside FVG, negative = inside FVG
• Close above/below requirement before entry
• 75% body closure filter to avoid wick-driven signals
Exit Management
• Take profits at opposing liquidity pools
• Runner contracts for extended trends
• TP clustering to merge nearby targets
• Max trades per hour limiter
Time Controls
• Configurable timezone (9 major zones)
• Liquidity search windows
• Trading hours restrictions
• Day-specific avoidance times
• Close all positions time
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📋 Building Your Model (Step-by-Step)
1. Define Time: When do you want to trade? (NY open 09:30-11:30 recommended)
2. Choose Liquidity: 15-minute, 30-minute, hourly, or AM opening range
3. Select FVG Method: First presentation, timed intervals, or 2022 model
4. Set Entry Rules: Slippage, close confirmation, body filter
5. Configure Stoploss: Placement method, min/max sizes, trailing
6. Add Orderflow: STH/STL, ITH/ITL, LTH/LTL with premium/discount
7. Apply Direction Filters: EMA, NWOG/NDOG, macro, correlation
8. Set Profit Targets: Min distance, max TP, runners, clustering
Tip: Start simple with steps 1-3, then optimize incrementally. Don't enable all filters at once.
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📁 Settings Groups
Time Settings - Trading Periods: Timezone, start date, liquidity windows, trading hours
Liquidity Settings: Calculation intervals, AM opening range
FVG Settings: Size filters, first presentation, 2022 model, volume imbalance
Entry Settings: Slippage, close confirmation, body filter
Stoploss Settings: Placement, min/max, trailing, alerts
Breakeven Settings: Amount, trigger conditions, avoidance time behavior
Orderflow Filters: STH/STL, ITH/ITL, LTH/LTL with premium/discount
Line Filters: Daily matrix, midnight filter, custom hourly/minute
Direction Filters: NDOG, NWOG, EMA daily/weekly/custom, macro time
Correlation Settings: Weekly/daily/custom with ticker and type
Profit Targets: Min range, max TP, runners, clustering
Funded Account Rules: Account type, loss limits, margin, contracts
Time Settings - Avoidance: Macro first 2 minutes, day-specific blocks
Miscellaneous: Visual colors for FVGs, liquidity, labels
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💡 Usage Guidelines
Use on 1-minute timeframe (warning displays otherwise)
Designed for futures (ES, NQ, MES, MNQ) and forex
Enable bar magnifier for realistic backtesting
TradingView Premium recommended for extended history
Commission: $0.62/contract for futures accuracy
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📈 Optimization Tips
Focus on ONE trading model - don't combine everything
Trade high-liquidity sessions (NY open is most active)
Optimize in stages: time → filters → stoploss → trailing → avoidance
Use realistic commission and slippage settings
Avoid over-optimization - keep models simple
Test across multiple market conditions
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⚠️ Risk Considerations
Execution Risk: Fast markets can cause slippage beyond settings
False Signals: Not all FVGs lead to profitable trades
Time Sensitivity: Liquidity concepts work best during active sessions
Market Conditions: Performance varies in trending vs ranging markets
Capital Risk: Futures require appropriate margin and risk capital
Leverage: Futures amplify both gains and losses
Over-Optimization: Past performance does not guarantee future results
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⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
Trading futures, forex, and other leveraged products involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You could lose more than your initial investment. Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose.
Past performance shown in backtests is NOT indicative of future results. No trading strategy guarantees profits. Markets are inherently unpredictable, and historical patterns may not repeat.
This strategy is provided for EDUCATIONAL and INFORMATIONAL purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, trading advice, or any other type of advice. The concepts are based on ICT (Inner Circle Trader) methodology as interpreted by the author.
Before trading:
• Understand the risks involved
• Use proper position sizing
• Always use stop-losses
• Test thoroughly on demo accounts
• Only trade with capital designated for risk
By using this strategy, you acknowledge that you understand and accept these risks. Trade responsibly.
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