Divergence SecretsWhat Are Options?
Options are derivative contracts that give the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell an underlying asset (like stocks, index, currency, or commodity) at a predetermined price on or before a specific date.
Call Option (CE): Right to buy.
Put Option (PE): Right to sell.
Key Terms in Options
To understand options, you must know these basics:
Strike Price: The pre-decided price at which you can buy/sell the asset.
Premium: The cost you pay to buy the option contract.
Expiry Date: The date when the option contract ends.
Underlying Asset: The stock, index, or commodity linked to the option.
Lot Size: Minimum quantity you can trade in options (e.g., Nifty lot = 50 units).
Call vs Put Options
Call Option Buyer: Expects price to rise (bullish).
Put Option Buyer: Expects price to fall (bearish).
Call Option Seller: Expects price to stay below strike.
Put Option Seller: Expects price to stay above strike.
GOLD trade ideas
XAUUSD Gold Trading Strategy August 18, 2025XAUUSD Gold Trading Strategy August 18, 2025:
Gold prices fell 1.79% last week, although Trump and Putin failed to reach an agreement on the key issue, with the focus this week on the Jackson Hole conference.
Basic news: Gold traders are closely watching the developments of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky today to set the terms of a potential peace deal that Trump agreed with Putin in Alaska on Friday. CME's "Fed Watch" report released today, the probability of the Fed keeping interest rates unchanged in September is 15.4%, and the probability of a 25 basis point rate cut is 84.6%.
Technical analysis: Gold prices have rebounded after approaching the support zone of 3325 - 3330. Currently, the bullish pattern of gold prices has not been broken, the possibility of gold prices having a strong increase in the near future. RSI on H1 and H4 frames is showing signs of entering the buying zone, combined with MA tending to expand after the previous sideways movement. Liquidity zones such as 3375 - 3380 and 3395 - 3400 could be profit-taking zones for this growth.
Important price zones today: 3325 - 3330 and 3300 - 3305.
Today's trading trend: BUY.
Recommended orders:
Plan 1: BUY XAUUSD zone 3326 - 3328
SL 3323
TP 3331 - 3340 - 3360 - 3390.
Plan 2: BUY XAUUSD zone 3300 - 3302
SL 3297
TP 3305 - 3315 - 3335 - 3365 - Open.
Plan 3: SELL STOP XAUUSD zone 3320 - 3322
SL 3325
TP 3317 - 3310 - 3305 - 3300.
Wish you a new week of safe, successful and profitable trading.🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
XAU/USD: Navigating the Uptrend and Key Support LevelsPrice Structure: Gold has been forming a series of higher highs and higher lows, indicative of a general uptrend. The chart labels a "high" and a "higher high," confirming this bullish structure.
Support and Resistance:
Two key support areas are identified:
Support area S1: A narrow zone around 3,320 USD. The price recently bounced off this area.
Support area S2: A broader, more significant zone around 3,290 USD, which appears to have been a strong support level in the past.
Several horizontal resistance levels are marked:
Immediate resistance: Around 3,351.231 USD and 3,366.029 USD.
Higher resistance: At 3,408.819 USD and 3,438.677 USD.
Channels and Trendlines:
The price has been moving within a series of ascending channels (highlighted in green rectangles), suggesting a stair-step upward movement.
A primary ascending trendline (black line) serves as a long-term support, with the price currently hovering just above it.
Recent Price Action and Projections:
The price recently broke out of a small downtrend and is showing signs of recovery from the "support area S1."
A potential price path is drawn with a red arrow, indicating a possible move towards the immediate resistance levels around 3,351 USD and 3,366 USD.
The chart highlights two specific price points, 3,360.604 USD and 3,350.685 USD, which likely represent a short-term trading range or target.
Volume: The volume spikes visible at key price points (e.g., at the low on July 30 and during the recent drop) indicate strong market activity.
Gold Rebounds From 43323 Support, Bulls Eyeing $3380Gold prices dropped to $3323 during early Asian trading and witnessed come back of buyers for value buying off the lows triggering a $25 rally to reach $3358
The profit booking by retail traders may keep momentum sideways as a pullback towards support zone $3345-$3340 is normal however, the immediate trend seems to be biased for upside advance that is likely to reach immediate resistance $3362-$3364 and overhead resistance $3364-$3368 before extension of prevailing bullish rebound towards $3380
Buyers are likely to re engage on dips around local demand zone $3345-$3340 and chances of upward bounce is valid as long as Gold maintains stability above $3340-$3335
If selling intensifies on break below $3340-$3335, decline may extend to $3323-$3318
Gold Plan 18/08 – Captain VincentBackground
For the past two days, Gold has repeatedly tested the 3332 – 3334 zone and slipped down to 3323, showing that buyers at this level are losing strength.
The broader trend still leans bullish, but the market is heavily influenced by geopolitics and news events:
📰 US–Russia preparing for a new round of Ukraine talks (15 Aug, Alaska).
🌐 Trump’s tariff stance remains unclear, adding volatility to Gold.
💵 Fed is likely to cut 25bps in September, keeping Gold in “defensive but ready to break out” mode.
➡ With this backdrop, today’s plan requires flexibility: Buy with trend, Sell scalp at key resistances.
1. Buy Scalp – Quick Boarding 🚤
Entry: 3324 – 3326
SL: 3320
TP: 3328 → 3332 → 3336 → 33xx
Note: Only suitable for quick scalps, avoid holding longer.
2. Main Buy Zone – Safe Harbor ⚓
Entry: 3313 – 3311
SL: 3304
TP: 3314 → 3319 → 3325 → 3330
Meaning: This is the main launchpad for buyers if price corrects deeper.
3. Sell Scalp Zone – Storm Breaker 🌊
Entry: 3366 – 3377
SL: 3383
TP: 3362 → 3355 → 33xx
Meaning: Short-term resistance, ideal for quick reaction sells.
4. Main Sell Zone – Watchtower ⛩
Entry: 3396 – 3394
SL: 3402
TP: 3390 → 3385 → 3380 → 33xx
Meaning: Strong resistance zone, highly likely to trigger a bearish reaction.
If broken, Gold may extend further into 34xx.
Today’s Scenarios
If price dips to 3324 – 3326 → Quick Buy Scalp.
If price drops deeper → Prefer to Buy at Safe Harbor (3313 – 3311).
If price rises to 3366 – 3377 → Short-term Sell Scalp.
If price tests 3396 – 3394 → Stronger Sell, this is the main resistance.
Captain’s Note:
"The Gold ship still sails North ⚓ today, but each time it hits Storm Breaker 🌊 or Watchtower ⛩, the sails will drop for a quick strike before retreating. Waves from Trump–Putin headlines and the Fed’s next move may stir up rough seas. Remember, mates: better to miss one trade than let the waves sink the ship." 🏴☠️
Gold Day Trade Plan - Key Buying Oppotunities Ahead Gold (XAU/USD) remains in a bullish structure on the 4H timeframe, where we can clearly see a flag pattern aligning with a bullish order block. This indicates that the overall market sentiment continues to favor the upside.
Key Buy Levels
Primary Buy Area: $3336
This level stands out as a strong opportunity for intraday buyers.
Stop Loss: $3325 (well-defined invalidation point).
Secondary Buy Opportunity: $3345
Can also be considered for entry.
However, lower timeframe (5-min) confirmation is strongly recommended at this level before executing a trade.
Why $3336 is the Best Zone?
The $3336 area offers the best risk-reward ratio as it sits closer to the 4H demand zone, giving buyers an edge with a tighter stop loss and higher potential upside.
Technical Outlook
4H Chart: Bullish flag pattern + demand zone (order block).
Intraday Strategy: Look for liquidity sweeps and confirmation signals near the mentioned buy zones.
Risk Management: Place SL below $3325 and manage positions as price approaches resistance levels.
📌 Plan Summary:
Buy at $3336 (Best R:R) – SL $3325
Buy at $3345 (with 5m confirmation)
Bullish bias remains intact as long as $3325 holds.
Narrative-Based TradingIntroduction
Financial markets are often portrayed as mathematical and data-driven—filled with algorithms, technical charts, and economic models. But beneath that seemingly rational layer lies something deeply human: stories. Investors, traders, and even institutions make decisions not just on numbers but also on narratives—coherent stories that explain why markets move, why a company has potential, or why a sector is “the next big thing.”
This is the essence of Narrative-Based Trading (NBT). Instead of relying only on earnings, charts, or interest rates, traders also weigh the power of collective belief shaped through stories. Whether it’s the “AI boom,” “India growth supercycle,” “EV disruption,” or “crypto revolution,” narratives influence flows of capital.
Robert Shiller, the Nobel laureate economist, introduced the concept of Narrative Economics, where he argued that viral stories influence markets as much as fundamentals do. Traders who understand and anticipate these narratives can position themselves ahead of the crowd.
What Is Narrative-Based Trading?
Narrative-Based Trading is the strategy of identifying, interpreting, and trading financial assets based on dominant market stories that shape investor psychology.
In other words:
Markets move not only on facts but also on the stories built around those facts.
Traders who can read and ride these narratives can capture big moves.
For example:
The dot-com bubble (1999–2000) was not just about internet adoption—it was about the story that “the internet will change everything.”
The crypto boom (2017 & 2020–21) was not just about blockchain—it was about the story of “decentralized money replacing banks.”
The EV rally (2020–22) was not just about electric cars—it was about the story of “the end of fossil fuels.”
Narratives can push valuations beyond fundamentals because humans are wired to respond emotionally to stories more than to raw numbers.
The Psychology Behind Narrative-Based Trading
1. Humans Think in Stories
Cognitive science shows our brains are wired to understand information in the form of narratives. We remember stories far more easily than spreadsheets.
For instance:
Saying “AI will take over jobs and revolutionize industries” excites emotions more than “AI companies’ CAGR is 14%.”
That emotional excitement fuels buying pressure.
2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Narratives spread like memes. Once everyone believes “EV is the future,” investors don’t want to miss the ride. This collective enthusiasm drives prices higher—even when fundamentals lag.
3. Confirmation Bias
Investors seek stories that confirm their beliefs. If you believe India is the “next growth superpower,” you’ll look for and invest in stocks that support that story.
4. Social Proof
When big investors, influencers, or media outlets endorse a narrative, others follow—just like viral trends on social media.
Key Elements of a Market Narrative
Every powerful narrative usually contains:
A Vision of the Future – e.g., “AI will redefine industries.”
A Villain or Obstacle – e.g., “Traditional banks are outdated; DeFi will replace them.”
A Hero or Winner – e.g., “Tesla will dominate EV markets.”
An Emotional Hook – e.g., “Clean energy will save the planet.”
Simplicity – Narratives spread when they’re easy to explain.
When a story has all these elements, it spreads fast and influences prices.
Historical Examples of Narrative-Driven Markets
1. Dot-Com Bubble (1999–2000)
Narrative: “The internet will revolutionize business.”
Reality: True, but early. Many companies had no earnings, only websites.
Outcome: Nasdaq rose 400% in 5 years, then crashed 78%.
2. Bitcoin & Crypto (2017, 2020–21)
Narrative: “Decentralized money will free us from central banks.”
Reality: Blockchain has utility, but valuations were inflated by hype.
Outcome: Bitcoin rose from $1,000 → $20,000 (2017), then crashed, later reaching $69,000 in 2021.
3. Tesla & EV Mania (2019–2022)
Narrative: “The end of oil, EVs will dominate.”
Reality: EV adoption is growing, but valuations became extreme.
Outcome: Tesla’s stock went from ~$40 in 2019 → $1200 in 2021 before correcting.
4. India Growth Supercycle (2023–2025)
Narrative: “India is the next China.”
Reality: India has demographics, reforms, and digital adoption.
Outcome: Indian indices outperformed, with foreign investors pouring in.
Identifying Narratives Early
The challenge for traders is spotting a narrative before it goes mainstream. Some tools and signals include:
Media Monitoring – Watch financial news, trending topics, and CEO statements.
Social Media Sentiment – Platforms like X (Twitter), Reddit, StockTwits, YouTube often amplify narratives before mainstream media catches on.
Google Trends – Rising searches for “AI stocks” or “EV companies” show growing interest.
Options & Volume Flow – Spikes in call buying often signal retail narrative adoption.
Venture Capital Activity – If VCs are pouring billions into a sector, the narrative is building.
How to Trade Narratives
1. Early Adoption Phase
Narrative is in niche circles (forums, VC blogs).
Stocks are undervalued, only a few believers.
Strategy: Enter early, accumulate, low risk high reward.
2. Mainstream Adoption Phase
Media picks it up, retail floods in.
Stocks rally sharply.
Strategy: Ride the trend, but manage risk.
3. Euphoria Phase
Everyone is talking about it.
Valuations detach from fundamentals.
Strategy: Take profits, prepare for exit.
4. Collapse / Reality Check
Narrative cracks when fundamentals can’t keep up.
Price correction or bubble burst.
Strategy: Avoid fresh buys, short opportunities possible.
Tools and Techniques for Narrative-Based Traders
Narrative Mapping
Write down the story driving the asset.
Identify the hero (leading company/stock), villains (competitors), and catalysts (events).
Volume Profile & Market Structure
Check if the narrative is supported by actual participation.
High volume spikes = narrative adoption.
Event Tracking
Government policies, product launches, speeches, or geopolitical events can fuel narratives.
Cross-Asset Analysis
Narratives often spill over.
Example: AI narrative lifted not just Nvidia, but also cloud, chipmakers, and robotics.
Exit Framework
Always define conditions when narrative breaks.
Example: If government policy reverses, or adoption slows, exit quickly.
Risks of Narrative-Based Trading
Hype vs Reality Gap
Narratives often run far ahead of fundamentals.
Risk: Holding too long into a bubble burst.
Confirmation Bias
Traders may ignore evidence against the story.
Overcrowding
Once everyone is in, upside is limited.
Policy & Regulation
Narratives like crypto or EV subsidies depend heavily on policy support.
Short Narrative Lifespan
Some stories burn out quickly (e.g., “Metaverse” hype in 2021).
Case Study: The AI Narrative (2023–2025)
Early Stage (2022): ChatGPT launch → small AI startups gained attention.
Adoption (2023): Nvidia earnings blowout, AI “arms race” headlines.
Mainstream (2024–2025): AI became part of every investor deck.
Euphoria Signs: Even non-AI firms rebranded themselves as “AI-driven.”
Trading Strategy:
Early buyers of Nvidia, AMD, Microsoft captured 200–400% gains.
By late 2024, caution needed as valuations stretched.
Narrative vs Fundamentals vs Technicals
Fundamentals – Show “what should happen” based on earnings, cash flows.
Technicals – Show “what is happening” in price & volume.
Narratives – Show “what people believe will happen.”
The best traders combine all three:
Use narratives for trend identification.
Use technicals for timing entries/exits.
Use fundamentals for long-term conviction.
Building a Narrative-Based Trading Strategy
Scan Narratives (media, VC, policy, social buzz).
Validate with Data (Google trends, volume, institutional flows).
Select Leaders (stocks most associated with narrative).
Define Entry Point (technical confirmation).
Scale with Trend (add as narrative strengthens).
Exit with Rules (valuation excess, fading news, policy reversal).
The Future of Narrative-Based Trading
AI Tools will help detect emerging narratives via sentiment analysis.
Retail Power (Reddit, Telegram, Twitter) will keep driving viral trades.
Geopolitical Narratives (e.g., “China vs US tech war”) will grow stronger.
Sustainability & ESG Narratives (“Green transition,” “India digitalization”) will dominate long-term.
Narrative-based trading will not replace fundamentals but will remain a critical layer of market psychology.
Conclusion
Narrative-Based Trading reminds us that markets are not just numbers—they are stories we tell ourselves about the future. The most powerful stories spread, shape collective belief, and move billions of dollars.
For traders, the key is not blindly following hype but understanding when a story is gaining traction, when it’s peaking, and when reality is about to check it.
If you can learn to read market narratives like a storyteller, you can trade not just with charts and balance sheets—but with the heartbeat of the market itself.
GOLD (XAU/USD) - NEW WEEK OUTLOOK: BULLISH SCENARIO ON TRACKGOLD (XAU/USD) - NEW WEEK OUTLOOK: BULLISH SCENARIO ON TRACK
Hello and welcome to a fresh week of trading!
Similar to Bitcoin, Gold (XAU/USD) is also showing positive momentum at the start of the week. Notably, Gold has successfully broken past its immediate resistance level at $3348. In my analysis, this action confirms a bullish move, at least for today. Therefore, our primary strategy is to go long on Gold.
Elliot Wave & Key Price Zones
Elliot Wave Analysis: Gold appears to have completed a clean ABC wave corrective pattern. This setup suggests that a new bullish trend may be starting, potentially marking the beginning of a new 5-wave impulse move. While this is a longer-term projection and requires further confirmation, the initial signs are promising.
Optimal Entry: The current price action is fast, so an immediate entry might not be ideal. We should wait for a slight pullback or a period of profit-taking from the buyers. A potential entry zone is around $3366, which corresponds to a previous wick zone.
Risk Management: If you enter a long position in this area, a tight stop loss of just 4 to 6 points is sufficient to manage risk effectively.
Targets and Reversal Potential
Upside Target: Our next significant target is the $3390 - $3394 zone. This is a strong resistance area where the price may show a significant reaction or even a reversal.
Potential Short Setup: As the price approaches the $3390 - $3394 range, be vigilant for signs of a reversal on lower time frames like the M15 and M5. If a clear reversal pattern or candle structure forms, it could present an opportunity to enter a short position.
Refer to the accompanying chart for a visual overview of this trading plan.
Wishing you a successful and profitable week with this analysis!
Gold (XAUUSD) Approaching Key Resistance – Short Setup in PlayGold is approaching a key resistance zone at 3450–3452, where we may start to see downside pressure. 🟡
🔻 Trade Idea:
Sell @ 3352
Targets: Refer to marked zones on the chart
Invalidation: Setup remains valid as long as 3358.1 is not breached on the upside
📌 Risk-Reward: Tight risk management with strong potential returns
👍 If you found this idea useful, give it a like and share your thoughts in the comments — let’s grow together!
Happy Trading,
– The InvestPro Team
Elliott Wave Analysis – XAUUSD July 18, 2025
Momentum
• D1 timeframe: Momentum is preparing to turn bullish. The current decline has lasted for 5 daily candles – this is often the usual number that completes wave D. Therefore, the current stage is sensitive, and price could reverse upward at any time. However, during such periods, price often sweeps liquidity to the downside first, so caution is required.
• H4 timeframe: Momentum is still bearish, suggesting that price may continue falling on Monday. That said, a reversal to the upside on Monday is also possible.
• H1 timeframe: Momentum is already in the oversold zone, with the lines sticking together. If price continues to fall at the Asian session open, a gap may appear. In that case, pay close attention to the downside target zones.
Wave Structure
• D1 timeframe: On the daily chart, we can see a completed abcde corrective structure, followed by a strong rally. The current move is a decline, likely forming waves 1 and 2 (green) within the 5-wave structure of the larger wave 5. The latest D1 candle shows a long upper wick, indicating that selling pressure still remains.
• H4 timeframe: A 5-wave impulse (12345, black) has formed, which could represent wave 1 (green). Afterward, a 3-wave ABC correction (purple) developed. The market is likely within wave C (purple) at the moment. With H4 momentum still bearish, this supports the scenario that wave C (purple) is continuing. Key downside targets to watch: 3322 and 3298.
• H1 timeframe: Within wave C (purple), a 5-wave impulse (12345, black) is unfolding. The market is currently in the late stage of wave 4 and the start of wave 5. Wave 5 will be confirmed if price breaks below 3331. Key downside targets for wave 5:
o Target 1: 3322
o Target 2: 3315
o Target 3: 3299
Trading Plan
• Scenario 1:
o Buy Zone: 3323 – 3321
o SL: 3312
o TP1: 3333
o TP2: 3350
o TP3: 3381
• Scenario 2:
o Buy Zone: 3300 – 3298
o SL: 3290
o TP1: 3333
o TP2: 3350
o TP3: 3381
XAU/USDThis XAU/USD setup is a sell trade, reflecting a bearish view on gold. The entry price is 3340, the stop-loss is 3347, and the exit price is 3325. The trade aims for a 15-point profit while risking 7 points, offering a favorable risk-to-reward ratio of more than 1:2.
Entering a short position at 3340 signals that the trader expects selling pressure to dominate, possibly due to strength in the US dollar, rising Treasury yields, or reduced safe-haven demand. Technical indicators may also suggest resistance around the entry zone, encouraging sellers to step in.
The exit price at 3325 is strategically placed near a support area, giving room for profits to be booked before a potential rebound in prices. This ensures that gains are secured without exposing the trade to unnecessary risk.
Meanwhile, the stop-loss at 3347 is positioned just above a resistance level, protecting against unexpected bullish momentum. This balance of risk and reward highlights disciplined trading, where the trader minimizes losses while maximizing profit potential. Overall, this setup is well-suited for short-term strategies that capitalize on gold’s frequent intraday swings.
Gold on the Verge of a Breakout – Is $3,425 the Next Target?Hi everyone, looking at the XAU/USD 4H chart, gold is showing a tight consolidation after several sessions moving sideways between $3,330 – $3,350. This kind of price action often signals that a big move is coming. The Ichimoku cloud is narrowing, reinforcing the idea that the market is preparing to choose a clear direction.
One key factor is the green FVG zone around $3,310 – $3,320, which is acting as a strong support base. If prices dip, this zone is likely to hold and keep the bullish trend intact. At the same time, trading volume has been ticking higher, hinting that buying pressure is quietly building up.
On the news side, safe-haven demand remains solid after the Trump–Putin meeting ended without concrete results. Adding to that, Citi has forecasted gold could head toward the $3,500 – $3,600 range in the medium term, which strengthens the bullish outlook.
Main Scenario: As long as gold stays above $3,335, a breakout above $3,365 – $3,385 looks likely, which could pave the way toward the $3,425 – $3,450 zone.
In my view, this might be the real breakout instead of just another false move. What do you think – will gold finally reach new highs next week?
Gold trading range - 18 August 2025I have done a back testing of a Fibonacci - combined with swing calculation on a 15-30 min. Chart & on the basis of that I am making my first prediction on trading view as a publication. Tomorrow first we should see a downward move in the market. Till the levels marked in the chart. & then it should be a change in the swing. I will put an update once the swing shows a change.
XAUUSD Continues Bearish Trend, Testing Key SupportGold is currently trading around 3,335 USD, closing near an important support zone, as highlighted in the chart. The precious metal continues its bearish trend, pressured by the 0.9% increase in the U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) for July. This indicates persistent inflationary pressure, reinforcing the Fed's stance on maintaining high interest rates, which weakens gold's appeal.
Technical Levels:
The current price is approaching a key support zone between 3,328 USD – 3,273 USD, where a potential bounce could occur if price action confirms a reversal.
The trend remains bearish as long as the price stays below the 3,370 USD resistance, consistent with the pattern of lower highs and lower lows.
A break below the 3,328 USD support could trigger further downside, with the next target at 3,273 USD.
Conclusion:
With the PPI data adding pressure, and the price nearing a crucial support zone, the outlook remains bearish for gold. Traders should monitor price action at the support levels for potential sell opportunities.
Gold short term Technical Outlook -August/Sep 2025📉 Gold Technical Outlook – Double Top in Play
Gold has recently formed a double top pattern, which is a classic bearish reversal setup.
A double top occurs when price reaches a resistance level twice and fails to break above it. This creates two peaks at nearly the same level — indicating strong selling pressure and a potential shift from an uptrend to a downtrend.
In this case:
The two tops suggest that buyers are losing strength.
Once the neckline (support level between the two tops) is broken, a downward trend usually begins.
The market is currently moving downward after the failure to break the recent highs.
🔻 Bearish Targets (as long as price stays below 3450):
Target Number Price Level
🎯 1st Target 3240
🎯 2nd Target 3120
🎯 Final Target 3030
❌ Invalidation Level (Negated Scenario)
This bearish view becomes invalid if gold moves above 3450 — in other words, a strong daily/4h close above 3450 would cancel the double top setup and signal a possible bullish breakout instead.
📝 Double Top Pattern – Quick Explanation
The pattern looks like the letter “M” on the chart.
It is formed by two consecutive swing highs at approximately the same price level.
The bottom between those highs forms the neckline (support).
When price breaks below the neckline, it confirms the pattern.
After confirmation, traders expect a trend reversal and place downward targets.
In simple terms — the market tried to go higher two times and failed, so now sellers are taking control.
Great — here is a simple diagram to help you visualize the double top pattern:
⛰️ ⛰️
/ \ / \
/ \ / \
/ \ / \
-----/--------\/--------\------ ⇦ resistance (two tops)
| |
| |
| |
-----\________/---------------- ⇦ neckline (support)
🔻 Breakdown below the neckline
Explanation:
The two ⛰️ peaks at the top represent the double top — price reaches the same resistance level twice and gets rejected both times.
The horizontal line in the middle is the neckline (support area).
When the price breaks below the neckline, it confirms the pattern and indicates that sellers have taken control → downtrend begins.
Gold Trading Strategy for 18th August 2025 📌 Gold Intraday Plan – One-Hour Breakout Strategy
🟢 BUY Setup (Bullish Scenario)
💡 Wait for a one-hour candle to close above $3349.
Once the candle closes above $3349:
✅ Enter BUY position above the high of that breakout candle
🎯 Target 1: $3361
🎯 Target 2: $3374
🎯 Target 3: $3390
🔒 Stop Loss: Place the stop just below the low of the breakout candle that initiated the move
📈 Example Logic (Bullish case)
If the 1h candle closes at $3351 with a high of $3353 → place a buy stop at $3353 → then target the three levels sequentially ($3361 / $3374 / $3390).
Trail your stop-loss after each target is reached to lock in profit ✅
✨ Additional Bullish Confirmation Points
Rising one-hour RSI 🔼
Increasing volume 📊 on the breakout
Price sustaining above $3349 without aggressive rejection
🔻 SELL Setup (Bearish Scenario)
💡 Wait for a one-hour candle to close below $3329.
Once the candle closes below $3329:
❌ Enter SELL position below the low of that breakdown candle
🎯 Target 1: $3319
🎯 Target 2: $3305
🎯 Target 3: $3290
🔒 Stop Loss: Place the stop just above the high of the breakdown candle
📉 Example Logic (Bearish case)
If the 1h candle closes at $3325 with a low of $3323 → place a sell stop at $3323 → then approach targets one by one ($3319 / $3305 / $3290).
Trail the stop-loss down after each target is hit for capital protection 🔐
✨ Additional Bearish Confirmation Points
Dropping one-hour RSI 🔽
Significant increase in sell volume 📉
Continuous rejection of $3329 as resistance after breakdown 🔁
⚠️ Important Notes for Both Directions
💼 Trade only after candle CLOSES (no early entries on wicks)
⏱ Plan is valid for regular London & New York sessions
🔄 Avoid taking both long and short in sideways/low volume range
📌 Use a disciplined approach — respect stop loss and trail accordingly
Options Trading in India1. Introduction to Options Trading
Options trading has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the Indian financial market. Once considered a playground only for institutions and advanced traders, options are now widely accessible to retail investors thanks to online trading platforms, mobile apps, and reduced brokerage costs.
In India, the NSE (National Stock Exchange) is the world’s largest derivatives exchange in terms of contracts traded, with Bank Nifty and Nifty 50 options leading the charge. For retail traders, options present opportunities for hedging, speculation, and income generation, making them versatile instruments.
But options are also complex. Unlike stocks, where you directly own a piece of a company, options are derivative contracts—their value depends on the price of an underlying asset. This makes them both powerful and risky if not understood properly.
2. What are Options?
An option is a financial contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price (strike price) before or on a specific date (expiry).
Call Option → Right to buy an asset at a strike price.
Put Option → Right to sell an asset at a strike price.
Unlike futures contracts, option buyers are not obligated to execute the trade. They can choose to let the option expire worthless if the trade doesn’t go their way.
3. Key Terms in Options Trading
Strike Price: The price at which you can buy/sell the underlying.
Premium: The cost paid to buy the option.
Expiry Date: Last day the option is valid (weekly/monthly in India).
Lot Size: Minimum tradable quantity (e.g., Nifty options = 25 units per lot).
ITM (In the Money): Option has intrinsic value.
ATM (At the Money): Strike price = underlying price.
OTM (Out of the Money): Option has no intrinsic value.
4. How Options Work (Indian Example)
Let’s take an example with Nifty 50 trading at ₹22,000:
Suppose you buy a Nifty 22,200 Call Option for a premium of ₹100 (lot size = 25).
Total cost = 100 × 25 = ₹2,500.
Case 1: Nifty goes up to 22,400
Intrinsic value = 22,400 – 22,200 = ₹200
Profit per lot = (200 – 100) × 25 = ₹2,500
Case 2: Nifty stays at 22,000 or falls
Option expires worthless.
Loss = Premium paid = ₹2,500
This asymmetry—limited risk, unlimited reward—is what attracts many retail traders to options.
5. Why Trade Options?
Leverage: Trade larger positions with smaller capital.
Hedging: Protect your portfolio against market falls.
Speculation: Bet on market direction with limited risk.
Income Generation: Write (sell) options to earn premium.
6. Options Market in India
Introduced in 2001 by NSE with index options.
Stock options followed in 2002.
India now has weekly expiries for Nifty, Bank Nifty, and FinNifty.
SEBI & Exchanges regulate margin rules, position limits, and trading practices.
The retail participation in options has exploded post-2020 with apps like Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, Groww, making it extremely easy to trade.
7. Option Premium & Pricing (The Greeks Simplified)
Premium depends on:
Intrinsic Value = difference between spot & strike.
Time Value = extra value based on time to expiry & volatility.
The Greeks explain sensitivity of option price:
Delta: Sensitivity to underlying price.
Theta: Time decay (options lose value as expiry nears).
Vega: Sensitivity to volatility.
Gamma: Rate of change of Delta.
For example, Indian traders often notice how Bank Nifty weekly options lose value rapidly on expiry day (Theta decay)—which is why option sellers make money on “expiry day trading.”
8. Types of Options in India
Index Options – Nifty 50, Bank Nifty, FinNifty (most liquid).
Stock Options – Individual companies like Reliance, TCS, HDFC Bank.
Currency Options – USD/INR, EUR/INR (for forex hedging).
9. Options Trading Strategies
Basic Strategies
Long Call → Buy call, bullish.
Long Put → Buy put, bearish.
Covered Call → Own stock + sell call for income.
Protective Put → Own stock + buy put for protection.
Intermediate Strategies
Straddle: Buy Call + Put at same strike (bet on volatility).
Strangle: Buy Call (higher strike) + Put (lower strike).
Bull Call Spread: Buy low strike call + sell higher strike call.
Bear Put Spread: Buy put + sell lower strike put.
Advanced Strategies
Iron Condor: Range-bound strategy selling OTM call + put spreads.
Butterfly Spread: Profit from low volatility near strike.
Ratio Spreads: Adjust risk/reward with multiple options.
10. Margin Requirements & Leverage
Option buyers: Pay only premium (small capital).
Option sellers (writers): Need large margin (higher risk).
NSE SPAN + Exposure margin system determines requirements.
For example, selling 1 lot of Bank Nifty option may require ₹1.5–2 lakh margin depending on volatility.
11. Taxation of Options in India
Treated as business income under Income Tax Act.
Classified as non-speculative business income (since traded on exchange).
Profits taxed as per slab rate; audit required if turnover exceeds limits.
12. Risks in Options Trading
Time decay eats premium if direction isn’t quick.
Volatility crush reduces premium post-events (like RBI policy).
Unlimited risk for sellers if market moves sharply.
Liquidity issues in some stock options.
13. Options Trading Psychology
Requires discipline & patience—most beginners lose by overtrading.
Emotions like fear of missing out (FOMO) or greed destroy capital.
Successful option traders often specialize in 1–2 instruments (e.g., Bank Nifty weekly options).
14. Conclusion
Options trading in India has transformed from a niche product for institutions into a mainstream retail trading instrument. The flexibility of calls and puts allows traders to profit in any market—rising, falling, or sideways. However, the high leverage and complexity mean traders must respect risk management, taxation rules, and psychology.
For beginners, the right path is to:
Start with small option buying.
Learn option chain, Greeks, and price behavior.
Slowly graduate to spreads and hedged strategies.
Avoid naked selling until well-capitalized.
With discipline, knowledge, and the right strategies, options can become a powerful tool for wealth creation, hedging, and trading opportunities in India’s growing markets.
Gold form double top bearish pattern,Bearish Patterns Annotated:
Double Top: A classic bearish reversal pattern resembling an "M" shape. It occurs when price hits resistance twice at similar levels (here, approximately $3,437 and $3,448 in July and August) and fails to break higher. This signals potential exhaustion of buyers and a shift to sellers.
Evening Star: A three-candle bearish reversal pattern marked near the recent high. It typically consists of a large green candle (up day), followed by a small-bodied candle (indecision), and then a large red candle closing below the midpoint of the first candle. This suggests bulls are losing control.
Engulf Candle (Bearish Engulfing): A red candle that completely "engulfs" the body of the prior green candle, indicating strong selling pressure overriding previous buying. It's marked near the top, reinforcing the reversal theme.
Opportunity: - As per chart it can short 3380-3350 with stop loss 3400 above for the targets of double bottom pattern 3260 and 3160.
Momentum TradingIntroduction
Momentum trading is one of the most popular and widely practiced trading strategies across global markets. At its core, momentum trading is based on a very simple principle: “buy strength and sell weakness.” Instead of betting on reversals or bottoms, momentum traders focus on securities that are already moving in a strong direction and aim to ride the wave until it slows down.
The logic comes from both psychology and market mechanics. When a stock is rising rapidly, it tends to attract more buyers—retail traders chasing quick profits, institutions reallocating capital, and algorithms detecting breakouts. Similarly, when a stock is falling fast, fear intensifies and selling accelerates. Momentum trading tries to capture these waves of fear and greed before they exhaust themselves.
In this guide, we’ll explore momentum trading from every angle: definitions, psychology, tools, strategies, examples, risk management, and how it applies in the Indian and global markets. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of why momentum trading works, how to practice it, and the pitfalls to avoid.
1. What is Momentum Trading?
Momentum trading refers to a strategy where traders buy securities showing upward price strength and sell securities showing downward price weakness. Instead of betting on valuation or fundamentals, momentum traders rely on price action and volume as primary signals.
The central belief is:
Strong stocks tend to get stronger (in the short to medium term).
Weak stocks tend to get weaker (until a reversal happens).
Momentum trading is often compared to surfing—you wait for a strong wave (trend) and then ride it until the momentum slows.
Key Features of Momentum Trading
Trend Following Nature – Momentum trading doesn’t try to predict tops or bottoms, but rides existing trends.
Short to Medium-Term Focus – Trades can last from a few minutes (intraday momentum scalping) to several weeks (swing momentum).
High Liquidity Preference – Traders focus on liquid stocks, indices, or futures where volumes confirm momentum.
Psychological Basis – Fear of missing out (FOMO) and panic selling fuel momentum.
Quantitative Edge – Many hedge funds run momentum-based quant models, proving its long-term viability.
2. The Psychology Behind Momentum Trading
Momentum exists because of human behavior. Prices don’t move in a straight line only due to fundamentals—they move because of crowd psychology.
Psychological Drivers
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): When a stock is moving up rapidly, traders fear missing profits and jump in late, pushing prices further.
Herd Mentality: Investors follow the crowd. If everyone is buying, the upward momentum strengthens.
Panic Selling: In downtrends, fear spreads faster than rational thought, accelerating declines.
Overreaction & Underreaction: Markets often overreact to news (creating short-term spikes) or underreact (causing gradual momentum).
In short, momentum thrives on emotion and confirmation bias—traders believe a move will continue simply because it has already started.
3. Foundations of Momentum Trading
3.1. Price Action
Momentum traders rely heavily on price charts. A breakout above resistance, a strong trendline move, or a sudden gap-up can signal momentum.
3.2. Volume
Volume is the oxygen of momentum. A price move without volume is weak; a move with surging volume is powerful. High volume confirms institutional participation.
3.3. Timeframes
Intraday: Momentum trades lasting minutes to hours.
Swing: Trades held for 2–10 days, riding short-term momentum.
Positional: Trades lasting weeks, catching medium-term momentum waves.
4. Tools and Indicators for Momentum Trading
Momentum trading blends technical analysis with volume and sentiment tools.
4.1. Moving Averages
20-day and 50-day EMAs: Used for spotting momentum shifts.
Golden Cross / Death Cross: Bullish or bearish momentum triggers.
4.2. Relative Strength Index (RSI)
Measures speed of price movement.
Momentum traders often buy in strong uptrends when RSI is above 50 but not yet overbought.
4.3. MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)
Helps spot acceleration in trends.
A rising MACD line indicates bullish momentum.
4.4. Volume Profile
Shows at what price levels heavy trading occurred.
Helps identify zones where momentum may stall.
4.5. Breakout & Breakdown Levels
Stocks breaking above resistance or falling below support with volume are momentum favorites.
4.6. Relative Strength (RS)
Comparing a stock’s performance to the market index helps identify leaders and laggards.
5. Strategies in Momentum Trading
Momentum trading can be applied in multiple ways depending on risk appetite and timeframe.
5.1. Breakout Trading
Buy when price breaks above resistance with strong volume.
Sell when price breaks below support with strong volume.
5.2. Pullback Momentum
Enter on small retracements in an ongoing trend.
Safer than chasing extended moves.
5.3. Intraday Momentum Scalping
Exploit sudden volume bursts (news-based, large orders, or gap opens).
Very fast-paced; requires discipline.
5.4. Sector Momentum Rotation
Focus on the hottest sectors (IT, banking, pharma, etc.).
Momentum usually flows from sector leaders to laggards.
5.5. News & Earnings Momentum
Positive earnings surprises create strong upward momentum.
Negative news can lead to breakdowns.
5.6. Quantitative Momentum Models
Hedge funds use algorithms ranking stocks by price strength over 3–12 months.
Proven academically as a profitable factor.
6. Risk Management in Momentum Trading
Momentum trading is powerful but dangerous if risk isn’t managed.
6.1. Stop-Loss Discipline
Always use tight stop-loss orders since reversals can be violent.
6.2. Position Sizing
Never risk more than 1–2% of capital per trade.
Momentum trades often need high frequency, so preservation is key.
6.3. Avoid Overtrading
Momentum traders face temptation to chase every move.
Better to wait for high conviction setups.
6.4. Managing Gaps and News Risk
Overnight gaps can kill momentum trades.
Intraday traders often close positions before the market shuts.
7. Advantages of Momentum Trading
High Profit Potential – Catching a strong momentum wave can deliver outsized returns in a short time.
Works in All Markets – Both bull and bear trends create momentum opportunities.
Simple Concept – “Buy strength, sell weakness” is intuitive.
Backtested Validity – Quant research supports momentum as a long-term factor.
Scalable – Works for intraday traders, swing traders, and large institutions.
8. Disadvantages and Challenges
High Risk of Reversals – Momentum can fade suddenly.
Requires Discipline – Emotional trading ruins performance.
High Transaction Costs – Frequent trading increases costs.
Market Noise – False breakouts and whipsaws are common.
Capital Intensive – Works best in liquid large-cap stocks or indices.
9. Real-World Examples
Example 1: Infosys Post-Earnings
When Infosys delivers better-than-expected results, the stock often gaps up with high volume. Traders who enter early in the session can ride momentum for 2–3 days.
Example 2: Global Tech Stocks (Tesla, Nvidia)
Tech stocks with strong narratives often exhibit momentum rallies. Traders buy dips until signs of exhaustion appear.
Example 3: COVID-19 Market Crash (2020)
Momentum worked in reverse—shorting falling stocks gave massive gains as fear-driven momentum dominated.
10. Momentum in Indian Markets
The Indian stock market is fertile ground for momentum strategies because of high retail participation and sector rotations.
Nifty 50 & Bank Nifty Futures: Highly liquid, ideal for intraday momentum trading.
SME & IPO Momentum: Newly listed stocks often show extreme momentum.
Sector Leaders: Momentum flows to leaders like HDFC Bank (in banking), Reliance (in energy), Infosys (in IT).
Conclusion
Momentum trading is one of the most exciting strategies in modern markets. It thrives on human psychology, liquidity, and herd behavior. While it carries risks of reversals and requires strict discipline, it also offers some of the most rewarding opportunities for active traders.
The key to mastering momentum is not just spotting strong moves but managing risk effectively. Traders who combine technical tools with emotional discipline can ride market waves profitably. Whether you’re trading Nifty futures in India, Tesla in the U.S., or currencies in global forex markets, momentum remains a timeless strategy.
In essence: Momentum trading is about identifying strong trends, joining them at the right time, and exiting before they reverse.
Part 2 Ride The Big MovesHow Options Work in Trading
Imagine a stock is trading at ₹1,000.
You believe it will rise to ₹1,100 in a month. You could:
Buy the stock: You need ₹1,000 per share.
Buy a call option: You pay a small premium (say ₹50) for the right to buy at ₹1,000 later.
If the stock rises to ₹1,100:
Stock profit = ₹100
Call option profit = ₹100 (intrinsic value) - ₹50 (premium) = ₹50 net profit (but with much lower capital).
This leverage makes options attractive but also risky — if the stock doesn’t rise, your premium is lost.
Categories of Options Strategies
Options strategies can be divided into three main categories:
Directional Strategies – Profit from price movements.
Non-Directional (Neutral) Strategies – Profit from sideways markets.
Hedging Strategies – Protect existing positions.
W breakout and retest in Gold
• Price has reclaimed the VWAP after a rebound from the red MA (likely 200 EMA), showing intraday strength.
• The horizontal zone around 3340 is acting as a support retest zone.
• Volume spikes on upward candles indicate buyers stepping in.
Buy Plan (Swing / Non-Scalp):
• Entry: 3341–3343 (current retest zone)
• Stop Loss: 3336 (below 200 EMA & recent swing low)
• Target 1: 3349
• Target 2: 3354–3356
• Target 3: 3362 (if momentum continues and news flow supports gold)
Reasoning: You’d be playing the bounce continuation from VWAP and 200 EMA support, with tight risk in case of breakdown.