Smart Money Concept [TradingFinder] Major OB + FVG + Liquidity🔵 Introduction
"Smart Money" refers to funds under the control of institutional investors, central banks, funds, market makers, and other financial entities. Ordinary people recognize investments made by those who have a deep understanding of market performance and possess information typically inaccessible to regular investors as "Smart Money".
Consequently, when market movements often diverge from expectations, traders identify the footprints of smart money. For example, when a classic pattern forms in the market, traders take short positions. However, the market might move upward instead. They attribute this contradiction to smart money and seek to capitalize on such inconsistencies in their trades.
The "Smart Money Concept" (SMC) is one of the primary styles of technical analysis that falls under the subset of "Price Action". Price action encompasses various subcategories, with one of the most significant being "Supply and Demand", in which SMC is categorized.
The SMC method aims to identify trading opportunities by emphasizing the impact of large traders (Smart Money) on the market, offering specific patterns, techniques, and trading strategies.
🟣 Key Terms of Smart Money Concept (SMC)
• Market Structure (Trend)
• Change of Character (ChoCh)
• Break of Structure (BoS)
• Order Blocks (Supply and Demand)
• Imbalance (IMB)
• Inefficiency (IFC)
• Fair Value Gap (FVG)
• Liquidity
• Premium and Discount
🔵 How Does the "Smart Money Concept Indicator" Work?
🟣 Market Structure
a. Accumulation
b. Market-Up
c. Distribution
d. Market-Down
a) Accumulation Phase : During the accumulation period, typically following a downtrend, smart money enters the market without significantly affecting the pricing trend.
b) Market-Up Phase : In this phase, the price of an asset moves upward from the accumulation range and begins to rise. Usually, the buying by retail investors is the main driver of this trend, and due to positive market sentiment, it continues.
c) Distribution Phase : The distribution phase, unlike the accumulation stage, occurs after an uptrend. In this phase, smart money attempts to exit the market without causing significant price fluctuations.
d) Market-Down Phase : In this stage, the price of an asset moves downward from the distribution phase, initiating a prolonged downtrend. Smart money liquidates all its positions by creating selling pressure, trapping latecomer investors.
The result of these four phases in the market becomes the market trend.
Types of Trends in Financial Markets :
a. Up-Trend
b. Down Trend
c. Range (No Trend)
a) Up-Trend : The market breaks consecutive highs.
b) Down Trend : The market breaks consecutive lows.
c) No Trend or Range : The market oscillates within a range without breaking either highs or lows.
🟣 Change of Character (ChoCh)
The "ChoCh" or "Change of Character" pattern indicates an initial change in order flow in financial markets. This structural change occurs when a major pivot in the opposite direction of the market trend fails. It signals a potential change in the market trend and can serve as a signal for short-term or long-term trend changes in a trading symbol.
🟣 Break of Structure (BoS)
The "BoS" or "Break of Structure" pattern indicates the continuation of the trend in financial markets. This structure forms when, in an uptrend, the price breaks its ceiling or, in a downtrend, the price breaks its floor.
🟣 Order Blocks (Supply and Demand)
Order blocks consist of supply and demand areas where the likelihood of price reversal is higher. There are six order blocks in this indicator, categorized based on their origin and formation reasons.
a. Demand Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
b. Demand Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
c. Demand All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
d. Supply Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
e. Supply Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
f. Supply All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
🟣 FVG | Inefficiency | Imbalance
These three terms are almost synonymous. They describe the presence of gaps between consecutive candle shadows. This inefficiency occurs when the market moves rapidly. Primarily, imbalances and these rapid movements stem from the entry of smart money and the imbalance between buyer and seller power. Therefore, identifying these movements is crucial for traders.
These areas are significant because prices often return to fill these gaps or even before they occur to fill price gaps.
🟣 Liquidity
Liquidity zones are areas where there is a likelihood of congestion of stop-loss orders. Liquidity is considered the driving force of the entire market, and market makers may manipulate the market using these zones. However, in many cases, this does not happen because there is insufficient liquidity in some areas.
Types of Liquidity in Financial Markets :
a. Trend Lines
b. Double Tops | Double Bottoms
c. Triple Tops | Triple Bottoms
d. Support Lines | Resistance Lines
All four types of liquidity in this indicator are automatically identified.
🟣 Premium and Discount
Premium and discount zones can assist traders in making better decisions. For instance, they may sell positions in expensive ranges and buy in cheaper ranges. The closer the price is to the major resistance, the more expensive it is, and the closer it is to the major support, the cheaper it is.
🔵 How to Use
🟣 Change of Character (ChoCh) and Break of Structure (BoS)
This indicator detects "ChoCh" and "BoS" in both Minor and Major states. You can turn on the display of these lines by referring to the last part of the settings.
🟣 Order Blocks (Supply and Demand)
Order blocks are Zones where the probability of price reversal is higher. In demand Zones you can buy opportunities and in supply Zones you can check sell opportunities.
The "Refinement" feature allows you to adjust the width of the order block according to your strategy. There are two modes, "Aggressive" and "Defensive," in the "Order Block Refine". The difference between "Aggressive" and "Defensive" lies in the width of the order block.
For risk-averse traders, the "Defensive" mode is suitable as it provides a lower loss limit and a greater reward-to-risk ratio. For risk-taking traders, the "Aggressive" mode is more appropriate. These traders prefer to enter trades at higher prices, and this mode, which has a wider order block width, is more suitable for this group of individuals.
🟣 Fair Value Gap (FVG) | Imbalance (IMB) | Inefficiency (IFC)
In order to identify the "fair value gap" on the chart, it must be analyzed candle by candle. In this process, it is important to pay attention to candles with a large size, and a candle and a candle should be examined before that.
Candles before and after this central candle should have long shadows and their bodies should not overlap with the central candle body. The distance between the shadows of the first and third candles is known as the FVG range.
These areas work in two ways :
• Supply and demand area : In this case, the price reacts to these areas and the trend is reversed.
• Liquidity zone : In this scenario, the price "fills" the zone and then reaches the order block.
Important note : In most cases, the FVG zone of very small width acts as a supply and demand zone, while the zone of significant width acts as a liquidity zone and absorbs price.
When the FVG filter is activated, the FVG regions are filtered based on the specified algorithm.
FVG filter types include the following :
1. Very Aggressive Mode : In addition to the initial condition, an additional condition is considered. For bullish FVG, the maximum price of the last candle must be greater than the maximum price of the middle candle.
Similarly, for a bearish FVG, the minimum price of the last candle must be lower than the minimum price of the middle candle. This mode removes the minimum number of FVGs.
2. Aggressive : In addition to the very aggressive condition, the size of the middle candle is also considered. The size of the center candle should not be small and therefore more FVGs are removed in this case.
3. Defensive : In addition to the conditions of the very aggressive mode, this mode also considers the size of the middle pile, which should be relatively large and make up the majority of the body.
Also, to identify bullish FVGs, the second and third candles must be positive, while for bearish FVGs, the second and third candles must be negative. This mode filters out a significant number of FVGs and keeps only those of good quality.
4. Very Defensive : In addition to the conditions of the defensive mode, in this mode the first and third candles should not be very small-bodied doji candles. This mode filters out most FVGs and only the best quality ones remain.
🟣 Liquidity
These levels are where traders intend to exit their trades. "Market makers" or smart money usually accumulate or distribute their trading positions near these levels, where many retail traders have placed their "stop loss" orders. When liquidity is collected from these losses, the price often reverses.
A "Stop hunt" is a move designed to offset liquidity generated by established stop losses. Banks often use major news events to trigger stop hunts and capture liquidity released into the market. For example, if they intend to execute heavy buy orders, they encourage others to sell through stop-hots.
Consequently, if there is liquidity in the market before reaching the order block area, the validity of that order block is higher. Conversely, if the liquidity is close to the order block, that is, the price reaches the order block before reaching the liquidity limit, the validity of that order block is lower.
🟣 Alert
With the new alert functionality in this indicator, you won't miss any important trading signals. Alerts are activated when the price hits the last order block.
1. It is possible to set alerts for each "symbol" and "time frame". The system will automatically detect both and include them in the warning message.
2. Each alert provides the exact date and time it was triggered. This helps you measure the timeliness of the signal and evaluate its relevance.
3. Alerts include target order block price ranges. The "Proximal" level represents the initial price level strike, while the "Distal" level represents the maximum price gap in the block. These details are included in the warning message.
4. You can customize the alert name through the "Alert Name" entry.
5. Create custom messages for "long" and "short" alerts to be sent with notifications.
🔵 Setting
a. Pivot Period of Order Blocks Detector :
Using this parameter, you can set the zigzag period that is formed based on the pivots.
b. Order Blocks Validity Period (Bar) :
You can set the validity period of each Order Block based on the number of candles that have passed since the origin of the Order Block.
c. Demand Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Demand Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
d. Demand Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Demand Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
e. Demand All Zone, "BoS" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Demand All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
f. Supply Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Supply Main Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
g. Supply Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Supply Sub Zone, "ChoCh" Origin.
h. Supply All Zone, "BoS" Origin :
You can control the display or not display as well as the color of Supply All Zone, "BoS" Origin.
i. Refine Demand Main : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
j. Refine Demand Sub : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
k. Refine Demand BoS : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
l. Refine Supply Main : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
m. Refine Supply Sub : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
n. Refine Supply BoS : You can choose to be refined or not and also the type of refining.
o. Show Demand FVG : You can choose to show or not show Demand FVG.
p. Show Supply FVG : You can choose to show or not show Supply FVG
q. FVG Filter : You can choose whether FVG is filtered or not. Also specify the type of filter you want to use.
r. Show Statics High Liquidity Line : Show or not show Statics High Liquidity Line.
s. Show Statics Low Liquidity Line : Show or not show Statics Low Liquidity Line.
t. Show Dynamics High Liquidity Line : Show or not show Dynamics High Liquidity Line.
u. Show Dynamics Low Liquidity Line : Show or not show Dynamics Low Liquidity Line.
v. Statics Period Pivot :
Using this parameter, you can set the Swing period that is formed based on Static Liquidity Lines.
w. Dynamics Period Pivot :
Using this parameter, you can set the Swing period that is formed based Dynamics Liquidity Lines.
x. Statics Liquidity Line Sensitivity :
is a number between 0 and 0.4. Increasing this number decreases the sensitivity of the "Statics Liquidity Line Detection" function and increases the number of lines identified. The default value is 0.3.
y. Dynamics Liquidity Line Sensitivity :
is a number between 0.4 and 1.95. Increasing this number increases the sensitivity of the "Dynamics Liquidity Line Detection" function and decreases the number of lines identified. The default value is 1.
z. Alerts Name : You can customize the alert name using this input and set it to your desired name.
aa. Alert Demand Main Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Demand Main 's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
bb. Alert Demand Sub Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Demand Sub's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
cc. Alert Demand BoS Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Demand BoS's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
dd. Alert Supply Main Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Supply Main's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
ee. Alert Supply Sub Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Supply Sub's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
ff. Alert Supply BoS Mitigation :
If you want to receive the alert about Supply BoS's mitigation after setting the alerts, leave this tick on. Otherwise, turn it off.
gg. Message Frequency :
This parameter, represented as a string, determines the frequency of announcements. Options include: 'All' (triggers the alert every time the function is called), 'Once Per Bar' (triggers the alert only on the first call within the bar), and 'Once Per Bar Close' (activates the alert only during the final script execution of the real-time bar upon closure). The default setting is 'Once per Bar'.
hh. Show Alert time by Time Zone :
The date, hour, and minute displayed in alert messages can be configured to reflect any chosen time zone. For instance, if you prefer London time, you should input 'UTC+1'. By default, this input is configured to the 'UTC' time zone.
ii. Display More Info : The 'Display More Info' option provides details regarding the price range of the order blocks (Zone Price), along with the date, hour, and minute. If you prefer not to include this information in the alert message, you should set it to 'Off'.
You also have access to display or not to display, choose the Style and Color of all the lines below :
a. Major Bullish "BoS" Lines
b. Major Bearish "BoS" Lines
c. Minor Bullish "BoS" Lines
d. Minor Bearish "BoS" Lines
e. Major Bullish "ChoCh" Lines
f. Major Bearish "ChoCh" Lines
g. Minor Bullish "ChoCh" Lines
h. Minor Bearish "ChoCh" Lines
i. Last Major Support Line
j. Last Major Resistance Line
k. Last Minor Support Line
l. Last Minor Resistance Line
Smartmoneytrading
Mxwll Price Action Suite [Mxwll]Introducing the Mxwll Price Action Suite!
The Mxwll Price Action Suite is an all-in-one analysis indicator incorporating elements of SMC and also ideas extending beyond the trading methodology!
Features
Internal structures
External structures
Customizable Sensitivities
BoS/CHoCH
Order Blocks
HH/LH/LL/LH Areas
Rolling TF highs/lows
Rolling Volume Comparisons
Auto Fibs
And more!
The image above shows the indicator's market structure identification capabilities. Internal BoS and CHoCH structures in addition to overarching market structures are available with customizable sensitivities.
The image above shows the indicator identifying order blocks! Additionally, HH/LH/LL/LH areas are also identified.
The image above shows a rolling area of interest. These areas can be compared to supply/demand zones, where traders might consider a bargain long/short/sell area.
The indicator displays a rolling 4hr high/low and 1D high/low, alongside auto fibonacci levels with a customizable sensitivity.
Finally, the Mxwll Price Action Suite shows relevant session information.
Table information
Current Session
Countdown to session close
Next Session
Countdown to next session open
Rolling 4-Hr volume intensity
Rolling 24-Hr volume intensity
Introducing the Mxwll SMC Suite!
The Mxwll SMC Suite is an all-in-one analysis indicator incorporating elements of SMC and also ideas extending beyond the trading methodology!
Features
Internal structures
External structures
Customizable Sensitivities
BoS/CHoCH
Order Blocks
HH/LH/LL/LH Areas
Rolling TF highs/lows
Rolling Volume Comparisons
Auto Fibs
And more!
The image above shows the indicator's market structure identification capabilities. Internal BoS and CHoCH structures in addition to overarching market structures are available with customizable sensitivities.
The image above shows the indicator identifying order blocks! Additionally, HH/LH/LL/LH areas are also identified.
The image above shows a rolling area of interest. These areas can be compared to supply/demand zones, where traders might consider a bargain long/short/sell area.
The indicator displays a rolling 4hr high/low and 1D high/low, alongside auto fibonacci levels with a customizable sensitivity.
Finally, the Mxwll Price Action Suite shows relevant session information.
Table information
Current Session
Countdown to session close
Next Session
Countdown to next session open
Rolling 4-Hr volume intensity
Rolling 24-Hr volume intensity
Expanded Features of Mxwll Price Action Suite
Internal and External Structures
Internal Structures: These elements refer to the price formations and patterns that occur within a smaller scope or a specific trading session. The suite can detect intricate details like minor support/resistance levels or short-term trend reversals.
External Structures: These involve larger, more significant market patterns and trends spanning multiple sessions or time frames. This capability helps traders understand overarching market directions.
Customizable Sensitivities
Adjusting sensitivity settings allows users to tailor the indicator's responsiveness to market changes. Higher sensitivity can catch smaller fluctuations, while lower sensitivity might focus on more significant, reliable market moves.
Break of Structure (BoS) and Change of Character (CHoCH)
BoS: This feature identifies points where the price breaks a significant structure, potentially indicating a new trend or a trend reversal.
CHoCH: Detects subtle shifts in the market's behavior, which could suggest the early stages of a trend change before they become apparent to the broader market.
Order Blocks and Market Phases
Order Blocks: These are essentially price levels or zones where significant trading activities previously occurred, likely pointing to the positions of smart money.
HH/LH/LL/LH Areas: Identifying Higher Highs (HH), Lower Highs (LH), Lower Lows (LL), and Lower Highs (LH) helps in understanding the trend and market structure, aiding in predictive analysis.
Rolling Timeframe Highs/Lows and Volume Comparisons
Tracks highs and lows over specified rolling periods, providing dynamic support and resistance levels.
Compares volume data across different timeframes to assess the strength or weakness of the current price movements.
Auto Fibonacci Levels
Automatically calculates and plots Fibonacci retracement levels, a popular tool among traders to identify potential reversal points based on past movements.
Session Data and Volume Intensity
Session Information: Displays current and upcoming trading sessions along with countdown timers, which is crucial for day traders and those trading on session overlaps.
Volume Intensity: Measures and compares the volume within the last 4 hours and 24 hours to gauge market activity and potential breakout/breakdown movements.
Visualizations and Practical Use
Dynamic Visuals: The suite provides dynamic visual aids, such as real-time updating of high/low markers and Fibonacci levels, which adjust as new data comes in. This feature is critical in fast-paced markets.
Strategic Entry/Exit Points: By identifying order blocks and using Fibonacci levels, traders can pinpoint strategic entry and exit points, maximizing potential returns.
Risk Management: Enhanced features like session countdowns and volume intensity help in better risk management by providing traders with more data on market sentiment and potential volatility.
Smart Money Setup 05 [TradingFinder] Minor OB & Trend Proof🔵 Introduction
The "Smart Money Concept" transcends the realm of mere technical trading strategies to embody a comprehensive philosophy on the dynamics of market operations. It posits that key market participants engage in price manipulation, thereby complicating the trading landscape for smaller, retail traders.
Under this doctrine, retail traders are advised to tailor their strategies in alignment with the maneuvers of "Smart Money" - essentially, the capital operated by market makers.
To this end, one should endeavor to mirror the trading patterns of these influential market participants, who are adept at navigating through the nuances of supply, demand, and overall market structure. As a proponent of Smart Money trading, these elements are pivotal in your decision-making process for trade entries.
🟣 Key Insights
The core principle of this strategy hinges on misleading other traders. A sudden market movement against the prevailing trend that results in the formation of either a lower low or a higher high, followed by a pullback where a divergence pattern emerges, sets the stage.
Subsequently, the market may form another lower low or higher high. Traders, persuaded that the market will continue along the trajectory of the new movement, are caught off-guard when the price abruptly reverses direction. Following a "Stop Hunt" of the traders' open positions, the market resumes its initial trend.
To grasp the essence of this setup, observe the following illustrations.
"Bullish Setup" :
"Bearish Setup" :
🔵 How to Use
The setups can be customized based on the desired formation period. This adjustment can be made through the indicator's price setting options, where the default period is set at 2.
Upon configuring your preferred period, the signals become actionable. Once a setup forms, the subsequent step involves waiting for the price to reach the "Order Block".
"Bullish Setup" :
"Bearish Setup" :
Order Blocks Screener | Flux Charts💎 GENERAL OVERVIEW
Introducing our new Order Blocks Screener! This screener can provide information about the latest order blocks in up to 5 tickers. You can also customize the algorithm that finds the order blocks and the styling of the screener.
Features of the new Order Blocks Screener :
Find Latest Order Blocks Accross 5 Tickers
Latest Status, Restests, Bullish & Bearish Volume
Customizable Algoritm / Styling
📌 HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Order blocks occur when there is a high amount of market orders exist on a price range. It is possible to find order blocks using specific formations on the chart.
The high & low volume of order blocks should be taken into consideration while determining their strengths. The determination of the high & low volume of order blocks are similar to FVGs, in a bullish order block, the high volume is the last 2 bars' total volume, while the low volume is the oldest bar's volume. In a bearish order block scenerio, the low volume becomes the last 2 bars' total volume.
This screener then finds order blocks accross 5 different tickers, and shows the latest information about them.
Status ->
Far -> The current price is far away from the order block.
Approaching ⬆️/⬇️ -> The current price is approaching the order block, and the direction it's approaching from.
Inside -> The price is currently inside the order block.
Retests -> Retest means the price to invalidate the order block, but failed to do so. Here you can see how many times the price retested the order block.
For the bullish / bearish volume, check the "How Does It Work" section.
🚩UNIQUENESS
This screener can detect latest order blocks and give information about them for up to 5 tickers. This saves the user time by showing them all in a dashboard at the same time. The screener shows the number of the retests of the order block as an unique trait. Another unique ability of the screener is that it shows the latest valid order block's bullish and bearish volume in the dashboard.
⚙️SETTINGS
1. Tickers
You can set up to 5 tickers for the screener to scan order blocks here. You can also enable / disable them and set their individual timeframes.
2. General Configuration
Zone Invalidation -> Select between Wick & Close price for Order Block Invalidation.
Swing Length -> Swing length is used when finding order block formations. Smaller values will result in finding smaller order blocks.
ICT Donchian Smart Money Structure (Expo)█ Concept Overview
The Inner Circle Trader (ICT) methodology is focused on understanding the actions and implications of the so-called "smart money" - large institutions and professional traders who often influence market movements. Key to this is the concept of market structure and how it can provide insights into potential price moves.
Over time, however, there has been a notable shift in how some traders interpret and apply this methodology. Initially, it was designed with a focus on the fractal nature of markets. Fractals are recurring patterns in price action that are self-similar across different time scales, providing a nuanced and dynamic understanding of market structure.
However, as the ICT methodology has grown in popularity, there has been a drift away from this fractal-based perspective. Instead, many traders have started to focus more on pivot points as their primary tool for understanding market structure.
Pivot points provide static levels of potential support and resistance. While they can be useful in some contexts, relying heavily on them could provide a skewed perspective of market structure. They offer a static, backward-looking view that may not accurately reflect real-time changes in market sentiment or the dynamic nature of markets.
This shift from a fractal-based perspective to a pivot point perspective has significant implications. It can lead traders to misinterpret market structure and potentially make incorrect trading decisions.
To highlight this issue, you've developed a Donchian Structure indicator that mirrors the use of pivot points. The Donchian Channels are formed by the highest high and the lowest low over a certain period, providing another representation of potential market extremes. The fact that the Donchian Structure indicator produces the same results as pivot points underscores the inherent limitations of relying too heavily on these tools.
While the Donchian Structure indicator or pivot points can be useful tools, they should not replace the original, fractal-based perspective of the ICT methodology. These tools can provide a broad overview of market structure but may not capture the intricate dynamics and real-time changes that a fractal-based approach can offer.
It's essential for traders to understand these differences and to apply these tools correctly within the broader context of the ICT methodology and the Smart Money Concept Structure. A well-rounded approach that incorporates fractals, along with other tools and forms of analysis, is likely to provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of market structure.
█ Smart Money Concept - Misunderstandings
The Smart Money Concept is a popular concept among traders, and it's based on the idea that the "smart money" - typically large institutional investors, market makers, and professional traders - have superior knowledge or information, and their actions can provide valuable insight for other traders.
One of the biggest misunderstandings with this concept is the belief that tracking smart money activity can guarantee profitable trading.
█ Here are a few common misconceptions:
Following Smart Money Equals Guaranteed Success: Many traders believe that if they can follow the smart money, they will be successful. However, tracking the activity of large institutional investors and other professionals isn't easy, as they use complex strategies, have access to information not available to the public, and often intentionally hide their moves to prevent others from detecting their strategies.
Instantaneous Reaction and Results: Another misconception is that market movements will reflect smart money actions immediately. However, large institutions often slowly accumulate or distribute positions over time to avoid moving the market drastically. As a result, their actions might not produce an immediate noticeable effect on the market.
Smart Money Always Wins: It's not accurate to assume that smart money always makes the right decisions. Even the most experienced institutional investors and professional traders make mistakes, misjudge market conditions, or are affected by unpredictable events.
Smart Money Activity is Transparent: Understanding what constitutes smart money activity can be quite challenging. There are many indicators and metrics that traders use to try and track smart money, such as the COT (Commitments of Traders) reports, Level II market data, block trades, etc. However, these can be difficult to interpret correctly and are often misleading.
Assuming Uniformity Among Smart Money: 'Smart Money' is not a monolithic entity. Different institutional investors and professional traders have different strategies, risk tolerances, and investment horizons. What might be a good trade for a long-term institutional investor might not be a good trade for a short-term professional trader, and vice versa.
█ Market Structure
The Smart Money Concept Structure deals with the interpretation of price action that forms the market structure, focusing on understanding key shifts or changes in the market that may indicate where 'smart money' (large institutional investors and professional traders) might be moving in the market.
█ Three common concepts in this regard are Change of Character (CHoCH), and Shift in Market Structure (SMS), Break of Structure (BMS/BoS).
Change of Character (CHoCH): This refers to a noticeable change in the behavior of price movement, which could suggest that a shift in the market might be about to occur. This might be signaled by a sudden increase in volatility, a break of a trendline, or a change in volume, among other things.
Shift in Market Structure (SMS): This is when the overall structure of the market changes, suggesting a potential new trend. It usually involves a sequence of lower highs and lower lows for a downtrend, or higher highs and higher lows for an uptrend.
Break of Structure (BMS/BoS): This is when a previously defined trend or pattern in the price structure is broken, which may suggest a trend continuation.
A key component of this approach is the use of fractals, which are repeating patterns in price action that can give insights into potential market reversals. They appear at all scales of a price chart, reflecting the self-similar nature of markets.
█ Market Structure - Misunderstandings
One of the biggest misunderstandings about the ICT approach is the over-reliance or incorrect application of pivot points. Pivot points are a popular tool among traders due to their simplicity and easy-to-understand nature. However, when it comes to the Smart Money Concept and trying to follow the steps of professional traders or large institutions, relying heavily on pivot points can create misconceptions and lead to confusion. Here's why:
Delayed and Static Information: Pivot points are inherently backward-looking because they're calculated based on the previous period's data. As such, they may not reflect real-time market dynamics or sudden changes in market sentiment. Furthermore, they present a static view of market structure, delineating pre-defined levels of support and resistance. This static nature can be misleading because markets are fundamentally dynamic and constantly changing due to countless variables.
Inadequate Representation of Market Complexity: Markets are influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic indicators, geopolitical events, institutional actions, and market sentiment, among others. Relying on pivot points alone for reading market structure oversimplifies this complexity and can lead to a myopic understanding of market dynamics.
False Signals and Misinterpretations: Pivot points can often give false signals, especially in volatile markets. Prices might react to these levels temporarily but then continue in the original direction, leading to potential misinterpretation of market structure and sentiment. Also, a trader might wrongly perceive a break of a pivot point as a significant market event, when in fact, it could be due to random price fluctuations or temporary volatility.
Over-simplification: Viewing market structure only through the lens of pivot points simplifies the market to static levels of support and resistance, which can lead to misinterpretation of market dynamics. For instance, a trader might view a break of a pivot point as a definite sign of a trend, when it could just be a temporary price spike.
Ignoring the Fractal Nature of Markets: In the context of the Smart Money Concept Structure, understanding the fractal nature of markets is crucial. Fractals are self-similar patterns that repeat at all scales and provide a more dynamic and nuanced understanding of market structure. They can help traders identify shifts in market sentiment or direction in real-time, providing more relevant and timely information compared to pivot points.
The key takeaway here is not that pivot points should be entirely avoided or that they're useless. They can provide valuable insights and serve as a useful tool in a trader's toolbox when used correctly. However, they should not be the sole or primary method for understanding the market structure, especially in the context of the Smart Money Concept Structure.
█ Fractals
Instead, traders should aim for a comprehensive understanding of markets that incorporates a range of tools and concepts, including but not limited to fractals, order flow, volume analysis, fundamental analysis, and, yes, even pivot points. Fractals offer a more dynamic and nuanced view of the market. They reflect the recursive nature of markets and can provide valuable insights into potential market reversals. Because they appear at all scales of a price chart, they can provide a more holistic and real-time understanding of market structure.
In contrast, the Smart Money Concept Structure, focusing on fractals and comprehensive market analysis, aims to capture a more holistic and real-time view of the market. Fractals, being self-similar patterns that repeat at different scales, offer a dynamic understanding of market structure. As a result, they can help to identify shifts in market sentiment or direction as they happen, providing a more detailed and timely perspective.
Furthermore, a comprehensive market analysis would consider a broader set of factors, including order flow, volume analysis, and fundamental analysis, which could provide additional insights into 'smart money' actions.
█ Donchian Structure
Donchian Channels are a type of indicator used in technical analysis to identify potential price breakouts and trends, and they may also serve as a tool for understanding market structure. The channels are formed by taking the highest high and the lowest low over a certain number of periods, creating an envelope of price action.
Donchian Channels (or pivot points) can be useful tools for providing a general view of market structure, and they may not capture the intricate dynamics associated with the Smart Money Concept Structure. A more nuanced approach, centered on real-time fractals and a comprehensive analysis of various market factors, offers a more accurate understanding of 'smart money' actions and market structure.
█ Here is why Donchian Structure may be misleading:
Lack of Nuance: Donchian Channels, like pivot points, provide a simplified view of market structure. They don't take into account the nuanced behaviors of price action or the complex dynamics between buyers and sellers that can be critical in the Smart Money Concept Structure.
Limited Insights into 'Smart Money' Actions: While Donchian Channels can highlight potential breakout points and trends, they don't necessarily provide insights into the actions of 'smart money'. These large institutional traders often use sophisticated strategies that can't be easily inferred from price action alone.
█ Indicator Overview
We have built this Donchian Structure indicator to show that it returns the same results as using pivot points. The Donchian Structure indicator can be a useful tool for market analysis. However, it should not be seen as a direct replacement or equivalent to the original Smart Money concept, nor should any indicator based on pivot points. The indicator highlights the importance of understanding what kind of trading tools we use and how they can affect our decisions.
The Donchian Structure Indicator displays CHoCH, SMS, BoS/BMS, as well as premium and discount areas. This indicator plots everything in real-time and allows for easy backtesting on any market and timeframe. A unique candle coloring has been added to make it more engaging and visually appealing when identifying new trading setups and strategies. This candle coloring is "leading," meaning it can signal a structural change before it actually happens, giving traders ample time to plan their next trade accordingly.
█ How to use
The indicator is great for traders who want to simplify their view on the market structure and easily backtest Smart Money Concept Strategies. The added candle coloring function serves as a heads-up for structure change or can be used as trend confirmation. This new candle coloring feature can generate many new Smart Money Concepts strategies.
█ Features
Market Structure
The market structure is based on the Donchian channel, to which we have added what we call 'Structure Response'. This addition makes the indicator more useful, especially in trending markets. The core concept involves traders buying at a discount and selling or shorting at a premium, depending on the order flow. Structure response enables traders to determine the order flow more clearly. Consequently, more trading opportunities will appear in trending markets.
Structure Candles
Structure Candles highlight the current order flow and are significantly more responsive to structural changes. They can provide traders with a heads-up before a break in structure occurs
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Disclaimer
The information contained in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities of any type. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information.
All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on an evaluation of their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
My Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems are only for educational purposes!
Smart Money Concepts Probability (Expo)█ Overview
The Smart Money Concept Probability (Expo) is an indicator developed to track the actions of institutional investors, commonly known as "smart money." This tool calculates the likelihood of smart money being actively engaged in buying or selling within the market, referred to as the "smart money order flow."
The indicator measures the probability of three key events: Change of Character ( CHoCH ), Shift in Market Structure ( SMS ), and Break of Structure ( BMS ). These probabilities are displayed as percentages alongside their respective levels, providing a straightforward and immediate understanding of the likelihood of smart money order flow.
Finally, the backtested results are shown in a table, which gives traders an understanding of the historical performance of the current order flow direction.
█ Calculations
The algorithm individually computes the likelihood of the events ( CHoCH , SMS , and BMS ). A positive score is assigned for events where the price successfully breaks through the level with the highest probability, and a negative score when the price fails to do so. By doing so, the algorithm determines the probability of each event occurring and calculates the total profitability derived from all the events.
█ Example
In this case, we have an 85% probability that the price will break above the upper range and make a new Break Of Structure and only a 16.36% probability that the price will break below the lower range and make a Change Of Character.
█ Settings
The Structure Period sets the pivot period to use when calculating the market structure.
The Structure Response sets how responsive the market structure should be. A low value returns a more responsive structure. A high value returns a less responsive structure.
█ How to use
This indicator is a perfect tool for anyone that wants to understand the probability of a Change of Character ( CHoCH ), Shift in Market Structure ( SMS ), and Break of Structure ( BMS )
The insights provided by this tool help traders gain an understanding of the smart money order flow direction, which can be used to determine the market trend.
█ Any Alert function call
An alert is sent when the price breaks the upper or lower range, and you can select what should be included in the alert. You can enable the following options:
Ticker ID
Timeframe
Probability percentage
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Disclaimer
The information contained in my Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems does not constitute financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities of any type. I will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on such information.
All investments involve risk, and the past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, financial product, trading strategy, backtest, or individual's trading does not guarantee future results or returns. Investors are fully responsible for any investment decisions they make. Such decisions should be based solely on an evaluation of their financial circumstances, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
My Scripts/Indicators/Ideas/Algos/Systems are only for educational purposes!
SMT - Smart Money Thursday Boxes
The Smart Money Trading Thursday - is a very specific trading system. You only trade it on a Thursday.
The script/indicator will color Thursdays as two boxes. If you just want one color, use same color for
both boxes. The boxes is there to indicate London/New York sessions.
SETTINGS
In the setting you find a numeric value as 1700-0400:5
The "5" indicate Thursday. You can change that if you prefer to color another specific day.
For example "4" would indicate Wednesday. And you can change the hours to fit your
sessions and trading style.
You can also use the 2 boxes on different days. If you for example would like to color up
London for Wednesday and Thursday. Then set hours to fit London session and adjust the
:5 to 4 on the 1st box and 5 on the 2nd.
HOW TO USE IT?
The Smart Money works in a way retail trading does not. Smart Money has an objective
to locate retail patterns, where there will be a lot of stop loss volume to be grabbed.
So when a retail trader see a setup like a "Double Top / Bottom". The Institutional
will see $$$ of dumb money, ready to be taken. The best moves happen on a Thursday
but if you are a skilled trader, you can see the move also occur on Wednesday or Friday.
The first thing that will happen, is that the Smart Money Breaks out of session. Meaning
they will leave the current weeks high/low range. To start collect negative contracts
of the retail volume.
When you see that happen. And you see a breakout that consist of 4 in a row 1 hour
chart candles. Then you have your first rule meet.
#1 Thursday breakout of current weeks high/low. And the move is a clean 4 hour move
as 4x H1 candles. The move can start within range. But must end clearly outside.
Visual Example:
#2 Next, we await an engulf at peak or near peak. That is where Institutional
may have problem to match any more contracts, and since they used their own
money to make this move. They must now mitigate orders, and return back to
the original retail pattern as most retail traders are now stopped out.
(Normally this is a long/clear candle out of range. they rarely go lower
then retail traders entry in the 1st push. This to not save any souls :)
#3 Price returns back to where the breakout from the retail happens.
You can now take your profit as a Smart Money Trader. Trading with less risk,
you can take profit of the return of that latest 4x H1 candle move. (Order
Block)
CONCLUSION
The best trade is when you can combine a retail pattern, followed by a
breakout which holds 4x 1 hour candles in the outbreak direction.
2nd best is when you have the 4x H1 breakout and really no clear retail
pattern. Still is the same game. Just not as clear as the one above.
Study the steps in this image and you see what to look after:
Good Luck with your trading!
Regards,
The Hunter Trading Group
