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Every trader has had that moment where a seemingly perfect trade goes astray.
You see a clean chart on the screen, showing a textbook candle pattern; it seems as though the market planets have aligned, and so you enthusiastically jump into your trade.
But before you even have time to indulge in a little self-praise at a job well done, the market does the opposite of what you expected, and your stop loss is triggered.
This common scenario, which we have all unfortunately experienced, raises the question: What separates these “almost” trades from the truly higher-probability setups?
The State of Alignment
A high-probability setup isn’t necessarily a single signal or chart pattern. It is the coming together of several factors in a way that can potentially increase the likelihood of a successful trade.
When combined, six interconnected layers can come together to form the full “anatomy” of a higher-probability trading setup:
- Context
- Structure
- Confluence
- Timing
- Management
- Psychology
When more of these factors are in place, the greater the (potential) probability your trade will behave as expected.
Market Context
When we explore market context, we are looking at the underlying background conditions that may help some trading ideas thrive, and contribute to others failing.
Regime Awareness
Every trading strategy you choose to create has a natural set of market circumstances that could be an optimum trading environment for that particular trading approach.
For example:
- Trending regimes may favour momentum or breakout setups.
- Ranging regimes may suit mean-reversion or bounce systems.
- High-volatility regimes create opportunity but demand wider stops and quicker management.
Investing time considering the underlying market regime may help avoid the temptation to force a trending system into a sideways market.
Simply looking at the slope of a 50-period moving average or the width of a Bollinger Band can suggest what type of market is currently in play.
Sentiment Alignment
If risk sentiment shifts towards a specific (or a group) of related assets, the technical picture is more likely to change to match that.
For example, if the USD index is broadly strengthening as an underlying move, then looking for long trades in EURUSD setups may end up fighting headwinds.
Setting yourself some simple rules can help, as trading against a potential tidal wave of opposite price change in a related asset is not usually a strong foundation on which to base a trading decision.
Key Reference Zones
Context also means the location of the current price relative to levels or previous landmarks.
Some examples include:
- Weekly highs/lows
- Prior session ranges, e.g. the Asian high and low as we move into the European session
- Major “round” psychological numbers (e.g., 1.10, 1000)
A long trading setup into these areas of market importance may result in an overhead resistance, or a short trade into a potential area of support may reduce the probability of a continuation of that price move before the trade even starts.
Market Structure
Structure is the visual rhythm of price that you may see on the chart. It involves the sequences of trader impulses and corrections that end up defining the overall direction and the likelihood of continuation:
- Uptrend: Higher highs (HH) and higher lows (HL)
- Downtrend: Lower highs (LH) and lower lows (LL)
- Transition: Break in structure often followed by a retest of previous levels.
A pullback in an uptrend followed by renewed buying pressure over a previous price swing high point may well constitute a higher-probability buy than a random candle pattern in the middle of nowhere.
Compression and Expansion
Markets move through cycles of energy build-up and release. It is a reflection of the repositioning of asset holdings, subtle institutional accumulation, or a response to new information, and may all result in different, albeit temporary, broad price scenarios.
- Compression: Evidenced by a tightening range, declining ATR, smaller candles, and so suggesting a period of indecision or exhaustion of a previous price move,
- Expansion: Evidenced by a sudden breakout, larger candle bodies, and a volume spike, is suggestive of a move that is now underway.
A breakout that clears a liquidity zone often runs further, as ‘trapped’ traders may further fuel the move as they scramble to reposition.
A setup aligned with such liquidity flows may carry a higher probability than one trading directly into it.
Confluence
Confluence is the art of layering independent evidence to create a whole story. Think of it as a type of “market forensics” — each piece of confirmation evidence may offer a “better hand’ or further positive alignment for your idea.
There are three noteworthy types of confluence:
- Technical Confluence – Multiple technical tools agree with your trading idea:
- Moving average alignment (e.g., 20 EMA above 50 EMA) for a long trade
- A Fibonacci retracement level is lining up with a previously identified support level.
- Momentum is increasing on indicators such as the MACD.
- Multi-Timeframe Confluence – Where a lower timeframe setup is consistent with a higher timeframe trend. If you have alignment of breakout evidence across multiple timeframes, any move will often be strengthened by different traders trading on different timeframes, all jumping into new trades together.
3. Volume Confluence – Any directional move, if supported by increasing volume, suggests higher levels of market participation. Whereas falling volume may be indicative of a lesser market enthusiasm for a particular price move.
Confluence is not about clutter on your chart. Adding indicators, e.g., three oscillators showing the same thing, may make your chart look like a work of art, but it offers little to your trading decision-making and may dilute action clarity.
Think of it this way: Confluence comes from having different dimensions of evidence and seeing them align. Price, time, momentum, and participation (which is evidenced by volume) can all contribute.
Timing & Execution
An alignment in context and structure can still fail to produce a desired outcome if your timing is not as it should be. Execution is where higher probability traders may separate themselves from hopeful ones.
Entry Timing
- Confirmation: Wait for the candle to close beyond the structure or level. Avoid the temptation to try to jump in early on a premature breakout wick before the candle is mature.
- Retests: If the price has retested and respected a breakout level, it may filter out some false breaks that we will often see.
- Then act: Be patient for the setup to complete. Talking yourself out of a trade for the sake of just one more candle” confirmation may, over time, erode potential as you are repeatedly late into trades.
Session & Liquidity Windows
Markets breathe differently throughout the day as one session rolls into another. Each session's characteristics may suit different strategies.
For example:
- London Open: Often has a volatility surge; Range breaks may work well.
- New York Overlap: Often, we will see some continuation or reversal of morning trends.
- Asian Session: A quieter session where mean-reversion or range trading approaches may do well
Trade Management
Managing the position well after entry can turn probability into realised profit, or if mismanaged, can result in losses compounding or giving back unrealised profit to the market.
Pre-defined Invalidation
Asking yourself before entry: “What would the market have to do to prove me wrong?” could be an approach worth trying.
This facilitates stops to be placed logically rather than emotionally. If a trade idea moves against your original thinking, based on a change to a state of unalignment, then considering exit would seem logical.
Scaling & Partial Exits
High-probability trade entries will still benefit from dynamic exit approaches that may involve partial position closes and adaptive trailing of your initial stop.
Trader Psychology
One of the most important and overlooked components of a higher-probability setup is you.
It is you who makes the choices to adopt these practices, and you who must battle the common trading “demons” of fear, impatience, and distorted expectation.
Let's be real, higher-probability trades are less common than many may lead you to believe.
Many traders destroy their potential to develop any trading edge by taking frequent low-probability setups out of a desire to be “in the market.”
It can take strength to be inactive for periods of time and exercise that patience for every box to be ticked in your plan before acting.
Measure “You” performance
Each trade you take becomes data and can provide invaluable feedback. You can only make a judgment of a planned strategy if you have followed it to the letter.
Discipline in execution can be your greatest ally or enemy in determining whether you ultimately achieve positive trading outcomes.
Bringing It All Together – The Setup Blueprint

Final Thoughts
Higher-probability setups are not found but are constructed methodically.
A trader who understands the “higher-probability anatomy” is less likely to chase trades or feel the need to always be in the market. They will see merit in ticking all the right boxes and then taking decisive action when it is time to do so.
It is now up to you to review what you have in place now, identify gaps that may exist, and commit to taking action!

Entries for longer-term stock investment approaches can be based on either long-term technical trends or more commonly, fundamental data related to a company’s current and projected performance. Despite the plethora of such suggestions, there is often a lack of clear guidance, or even a complete absence, of instructions on determining the timing of an exit from a long-term position. Logically, whether it’s a short-term technical entry or long-term fundamental entry, many of the “rules of the game” are similar, including the need for clear and unambiguous exit strategies seems paramount for consistently positive investment outcomes.
The approach originally used to make an entry decision can serve as a good starting point but there are other considerations that can potentially benefit outcomes. This article aims to briefly describe six potential exit approaches you could consider, providing some detail and examples as to how to action your chosen approach. Target Price Exit Strategy Setting Targets: Determine a fair value (and thus exit price target) by conducting in-depth fundamental analysis, utilizing metrics like Price-to-Earnings ratio (P/E), Cash flow, debt levels, book value, or longer-term technical levels.
On-going monitoring: Regularly track the price against this target. For example, if you calculate a fair value for a stock at $50, and it’s currently trading at $45, you might decide to sell once it reaches or exceeds $50. Other Considerations: Regularly review and adjust the target price, taking into account changes in fundamental factors impacting the relevant sector or market as a whole.
Ongoing Fundamental Awareness Ongoing Analysis: Continuously evaluate underlying fundamentals, such as earnings, balance sheets, cash flow, and management quality. Be vigilant not only when next company reporting dates are due but also for the often-unpredictable release of operational updates or changes in guidance. Trigger Points: Identify specific company indicators or information that would prompt an exit.
An example of this may be a sustained decline in revenue or mounting debt levels, particularly when beyond what was originally expected. Other Considerations: Implementing this strategy requires consistent research and a nuanced understanding of the particular business and industry factors influencing the investment. Having the optimum resources in place to be able to do this is vital and identifying these should be a primary goal of any fundamental investor.
Economic & Sector Changes On-going Analysis: Regularly review broader economic indicators like GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, or industry trends. Understand how such changes in these key data points may correlate with the asset price and establish exit criteria accordingly.For example, you may reconsider a position in a technology stock if there’s a widespread shift away from tech spending or growth concerns or regulatory changes that detrimentally affect the sector. Other Considerations: This strategy necessitates a broad understanding of economic cycles, industry dynamics, and how these elements interact with your particular investment holdings.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that appropriate resources should be in place to ascertain this as proactively as possible, or at worst in a timely manner. This may assist in preventing excess depreciation in asset price to the point where action is delayed and major capital damage has occurred. Dividend Targeted Approaches On-going Analysis: If part of your entry criteria and anticipated return from fundamental analysis-oriented trades is based on dividend yield to some degree, it is worthwhile to not only look at what is current but also perform ongoing evaluation of the reliability and/or growth of dividends.
Exit Criteria: Having established an expected return, it logically makes sense to have criteria in place to help decision making. For example a decrease in dividend yield below a certain threshold or a cut in dividends could be part of your potential exit plan for a specific investment. Other Considerations: As well as vigilance for the timing of company announcements where dividend changes are often announced, awareness of the yield of your current investment compared to others, and industry trends is required, as they could influence the sector and the market as a whole.
Time-Based Exits On-going Analysis: Often with time-based exits, there is alignment with a particular impending event. Examples of this type of event include a shift to EVs from petrol-fuelled cars or the impact on assets in the lead-up to an election. Either way, your investment time horizon needs to be reviewed should there be a change in circumstances and the rationale behind your initial thinking on entry.
Other Considerations: There is a discipline involved in exiting from a stock position that remains strong even after an event, or the impact of such, has passed. With a systematic approach to fundamental entries in place, it is legitimate to review whether other fundamental approach criteria are met and perhaps consider continuing to hold. Without this in place, or if no match with other approaches exists, logic would dictate that a planned exit is an exit, and you should action it as such, no matter how well this specific position has served you to date.
Portfolio Rebalancing On-going Analysis: Although not based on a specific entry approach, periodically evaluate your overall portfolio asset allocation is prudent. Reviewing whether the current holdings are still a fit with long-term investment aims and risk tolerance in current and ongoing market circumstances are appropriate rebalancing considerations. Rebalancing Exit Approach: Criteria for rebalancing should be pre-planned and clearly defined.
These may require consideration of multiple factors, such as an asset becoming an excessive portion of the portfolio on good performance, or changes in market or economic circumstances that threaten specific portions of the portfolio. Other Considerations: Continuous monitoring of the portfolio is required, and checking continuing congruence with desired asset allocation and your risk profile is vital. Rather than based on a specific entry approach, just to reinforce that the concept of rebalancing is one that is important across all of the approaches described above.
Summary Although they receive little “airplay” in comparison to technical approaches and exits, the exit strategies within a portfolio based on fundamental analysis entries are multifaceted, frequently interconnected, and equally important to master. Crafting a proficient exit system demands a comprehensive knowledge of each specific investment holding, and wider market and economic dynamics, in the context of your personal investment objectives, and risk tolerance. The need for a set of written system criteria for all actions, regular monitoring, thorough analysis, and disciplined adherence to predetermined exit criteria are essential.

Ideally, as traders, our aim is often to identify potential entries at the start of a new trend (so “first in the queue”) and exit at the end of that trend. Of course, we often will identify a price move where a trend may already be established and are therefore faced with the decision as to “join in” mid-trend (we hope) with the aim of catching the rest of a trend move. The concern of this approach is of course the fear of potentially entering just prior to that trend changing.
There are “clues” we can use, such as candle body/wick size and volume which may help, but also there is a group of indicators termed ‘oscillators’ which work on the idea that there are points in a price move which the underlying asset (be it a Forex pair or CFD) may be overbought (and hence a long trade could be deemed riskier), and oversold (where a short trade may be termed riskier). Although the Relative Strength Index (RSI) which we covered previous in an article (review "Adding the RSI to your entry or exit trading plan? "), is possibly a more commonly used oscillator for determining oversold and overbought situations, the stochastic although possibly seen as being slightly more complex, does appear to be frequently used by more experienced traders. This article aims to shed some light on how this indicator is used and what it may be showing you relative to price movement.
What is the stochastic trying to tell us? As with the RSI the Stochastic is an oscillator (whose value can theoretically lie between 0-100) which has identified key levels which may indicate whether a particular asset is overbought or oversold. A move into either of these two “zones” may suggest a trend change is more likely to be imminent.
The key levels are below 20 (oversold) and above 80 (overbought). See below a 30-minute chart for GBP/USD with the stochastic added using the default system settings (we have added horizontal lines from the drawing tools to make the key levels clearer. We will discuss settings later and the additional line but at a simple level, taking the blue line on the stochastic if it moves below 20, then you would be cautious and perhaps avoid entering a short trade (examples A and B), and perhaps avoid entering a long trade if it moves above 80 (see example C).
And the other dotted line? There are two lines that form the stochastic namely: %K (usually a solid line) – In this case blue as previously referenced above. %D (usually a dotted line) and is a moving average of %K (often set as an exponential) Slowing periods may also be set (default is 3). As a rule, the slower (bigger number the less “noisy” i.e. you will see less overbought and oversold conditions).
And how can it be used? a. As an additional entry criteria “tick” As referenced earlier, for entry, traders may use this as an additional tick (when other indicators may suggest entry) to make sure they do not enter a long trade on an overbought currency pair/CFD, or short trade on an oversold currency pair/CFD. b. As a warning to prepare for exit action in an open trade Though less commonly discussed, it would appear logical that if in a long trade for example and the Stochastic moves into an over-bought position this could be a warning to consider exit (more commonly used as a signal to tighten a trailing stop loss) c.
As a primary reversal signal Additionally, some traders may look to buy when moving out of an oversold situation when the EMA dotted line crosses the solid blue line. (and of course, the reverse when overbought). It would be rare to use this in isolation with no other indicators, using increasing volume, and candle change recognition would often be used also. The relatively fast default settings (5,3,3) may merit some review anyway but particularly in this case.
Which settings? As with any indicator you are in control of the settings and what you use for you is of course your choice. With the chart below, we have used the default 5,3,3 and added a 21,7, 7 to illustrate the difference of a less noisy set of perimeters.
In Summary Ultimately, and to finish, it is of course your choice as to which criteria you use for entry and exit. Remember, whatever these are for you, the key lessons of: a. specifically identifying how you are to use the criteria within your plan, b. the importance of forward-testing (as well as back-testing) of any system change, c. and of course, the discipline of following through are ALL critical whether you use the Stochastic, RSI or neither.

The Volatility Contraction Pattern, (VCP) is a famous trading pattern identified and dissected by Market Wizard, Mark Minervini. The premise of the pattern is that stocks in long term up trends will pause and consolidate as some holders exit their positions and the stock is accumulated again by buyers in the market. The chart pattern can provide opportunities for powerful break outs and can be used across any time frame.
This allows traders to jump in on potential moves before they explode. Mechanics of the pattern The background of the pattern is relatively simple. The stock has been previously rising in an uptrend and has found some resistance.
It then moves into a period of consolidation categorised by 2-6 retracements with each one being smaller than the previous one. The volume should usually be decreasing as the chart moves to the right. The pattern culminates in a powerful break out that can often be long lasting.
The key for this pattern is that there needs to be a contraction of volatility as the chart moves from the left to the right. This highlights that the volume available is decreasing and becoming scarce. In addition, the more dramatic in volume, the more likely that the move will be explosive.
Below the breakout is accompanied by an increase in the relative volume. In the chart below for Natural Gas, the decrease in volume can be associated with the contracting candlestick pattern. This occurs prior to the break of the long-term resistance.
The breakthrough was also associated with a large amount of buying volume. The VCP can manifest itself in other patterns such as a cup and handle patterns. The key is that the candlesticks must be decreasing volatility.


A resistance level is a key tool in technical analysis, indicating when an asset has reached a price level that market participants are unwilling to surpass. Resistance levels are often used in conjunction with support levels, or the point at which traders are unwilling to let an asset's price drop much lower. To understand this fully, it’s important to understand how support and resistance works in general.
A support line is when a price hits a low point (on the selling side) and resistance is when the price hits a high (on the buying side). If the prices rebound back to this price or continue to hit this price without surpassing it, it then starts to become a key resistance or support level. As a rule of thumb when using technical analysis, these tools become very important for some traders.
This is due to those points offering various outcomes. Whether they are a Bounce or a Break, essentially meaning, does the price hit the support/resistance and comes back (Bounce) or does it go through the support/resistance lines (Breaks). It is important to also use other indicators to accompany your technical analysis, as these movements could also easily become reversals or break outs, meaning, instead of them following your prognosis the price does the opposite.
When a price has been rejected various times, it builds an even stronger key resistance. Trading volume and sentiment can help to propel a price past this point and some of the biggest movements come after a price breaks a key resistance. Using a current trend (Fig 1) and a hypothetical trend (Fig 2), let’s take the daily timeframe for BTCUSD as an example (below).
The daily candle has broken through a key resistance of $41,000 as shown on figure 1. If a trader identifies this, they can do one of two things; trade it aggressively and place a trade as it breaks through or trade it conservatively and wait for the former resistance line to become the new support line before placing a trade (so wait for the price to bounce off as outlined on the drawn projection and circled on figure 2). Figure 1.
Figure 2. This technical analysis can be used for any asset you wish to trade: it’s transferrable and key in identifying entry or exit points of trades. By learning to spot the patterns and combining this with knowledge of trading volume and sentiment, you can start to understand the markets better.
Sources: Babypips, Investopedia, @sell9000 Twitter.


Please find below the video recording from this weeks Inner circle session "Share CFDs" where we explored how this trading vehicle could be of benefit to many traders. We dispelled some of the myths surrounding Share CFDs and presented some ideas for alternative ways to use these as part of your trading toolbox. Please send any comments or questions to [email protected] Please note the disclaimer at the beginning of the video.
Mike Smith Educator GO Markets Disclaimer The articles are from GO Markets analysts based on their independent analysis. Views expressed are of their own and of a ‘general’ nature. Advice (if any) are not based on the reader’s personal objectives, financial situation or needs.
Readers should, therefore, consider how appropriate the advice (if any) is to their objectives, financial situation and needs, before acting on the advice.

The U.S. Dollar Index (USDX, DXY, DX, or, informally termed “the Dixie") is a measure of the value of the United States dollar relative to a basket of foreign currencies. It is often used as an indicator of the overall strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar in the foreign exchange market.
Changes in the index value reflect shifts in the relative strength of the U.S. dollar compared to the other currencies in the basket. If the index rises, it suggests that the U.S. dollar is strengthening against the other currencies, and if it falls, it indicates a weakening dollar. The index is calculated using a geometric mean of the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a selected specific group of six major currencies.
A common misconception is the component currencies reflect what are commonly thought of as including the currencies that comprise the so called “majors”. However, the currencies that make up this basket are, the Euro (EUR), Japanese yen (JPY), British pound (GBP), Canadian dollar (CAD), Swedish krona (SEK), and Swiss franc (CHF) ONLY. These currencies are then weighted based on their importance in international trade and financial markets to create a quoted overall numerical value, and changes in this value may plotted on a chart as with any other tradable asset class over a set period of time.
Here are the weightings of currencies that make up the USD index currently: Euro (EUR) - Weight: 57.6% Japanese Yen (JPY) - Weight: 13.6% British Pound (GBP) - Weight: 11.9% Canadian Dollar (CAD) - Weight: 9.1% Swedish Krona (SEK) - Weight: 4.2% Swiss Franc (CHF) - Weight: 3.6% Please keep in mind that these weightings are subject to change, albeit infrequently, and it's recommended to refer to reliable financial sources for the most up-to-date information on the U.S. Dollar Index components and their respective weightings. The impact of the USD on other asset classes The U.S.
Dollar Index (USDX) can have a significant impact on various asset classes, as changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other major currencies can influence global financial markets and economic conditions. Here's how the USDX can affect different asset classes: Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market: Currency Pairs: The most direct impact of the USDX is on currency pairs. When the USDX strengthens, the U.S. dollar is gaining relative to other currencies in the basket.
Bear in mind that this strength may neither be uniform against individual currencies nor in the degree of price move in specific USD crosses nor even, on occasion, in the same direction. Commodities: Commodity Prices: A stronger U.S. dollar can put downward pressure on commodity prices. Commodities like gold, oil, and copper are often priced in U.S. dollars globally.
A stronger dollar can make these commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies, hence often there is an inverse relationship to some degree on how these move versus the USD. Gold is often seen as a hedge against a weakening U.S. dollar. When the dollar strengthens, gold can become relatively less attractive to investors seeking safe-haven assets, potentially leading to lower gold prices.
Equity Markets: U.S. Stocks: A stronger dollar can impact multinational companies' earnings negatively. When the dollar appreciates, the overseas profits of U.S. companies become worth less when converted back to dollars, potentially leading to lower corporate earnings.
Emerging Markets: Many emerging market economies borrow in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar strengthens, the debt servicing costs for these economies can rise, leading to economic challenges. As a result, some emerging market stocks can experience increased volatility or even significant economic pressure over time.
Bonds: U.S. Treasuries: The value of U.S. Treasury bonds can be influenced by the USDX.
A stronger dollar can attract foreign investors seeking higher yields, potentially driving up demand for U.S. Treasuries and affecting bond prices. Interest Rates and Central Banks: US Federal Reserve Policy: The strength of the U.S. dollar can influence the decisions of the U.S.
Federal Reserve regarding interest rates. A stronger dollar might give the Fed room to consider tighter monetary policy, while a weaker dollar might lead to more accommodative policies. It's important to note that market dynamics are complex and influenced by a multitude of factors only one of which may be the USD.
Other factors such as economic data, geopolitical events, and central bank actions also have significant impacts on various asset classes, often more so than the USD itself, and indeed may in turn influence the USD. Trading the USD index There are a few ways you can trade the USDX: Futures Contracts: The most direct way to trade the USDX is through futures contracts. These contracts are traded on exchanges like the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).
They allow you to speculate on the future value of the USDX without actually owning the underlying currencies. The UDX futures trade on the ICE (Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.) for 21 hours a day. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Some ETFs track the performance of the USDX.
These ETFs attempt to replicate the movements of the index and can be bought and sold on stock exchanges like regular stocks. The most liquid of these is UUP. Options: Contracts allow you to buy or sell options on the USDX at a specified price before or on a certain date.
Contracts for Difference (CFDs): CFDs are derivative instruments that allow you to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. We offer CFDs on the USDX futures contract, which can enable you to go long or short the asset. As part of the extensive product suite offered by GO Markets you have the opportunity to trade both the ETF referenced above, and the USD index (ticker code USDOLLAR). (Keywords: Forex, USD, US dollar, US dollar index, USDX, DXY, Futures contract)