Understanding (technical) market structure


Let us start with the picture above. We have three types of bullish trends: the accelerating bullish trend A, the regular bullish trend B and the decelerating bullish trend C. In an accelerating bullish trend the price makes higher highs and lows alternately making a "convex" slope. The trend is considered to be stronger than the trends B and C. The trend C again is losing momentum and is drawing a more "concave" pattern.

 We can find some theoretical "support" points and draw trend lines (yellow with trend A, orange with trend B and grey with trend C). In the trends A and B, one has to draw multiple lines, because the trends momentum is increasing/ decreasing. In trend B the trader is satisfied to draw only one line, which runs through all lows of the price slope.

One can find very effective entry points at the price level where the price embarks through the previous highs level (E). Adding a volume  indicator or looking at the order book at these levels, usually shows some significant order flow. This is where market technique oriented traders (private and institutional) traders enter their position. A trend following trader could set his/ her stop orders at the previous lows level. E.g. Entry at point E1. After the entry the trader wants to protect his/ her position and puts a stop order to the level S1 (only after the price has significantly risen through E1!)

A bullish trend makes alternately higher highs and lows. To exit the train at the right stop we have to understand when the trend has been broken and when it is reversing. Point B1 is the first lower low to appear ( its level is below the previous low). Many traders might hesitate and close their position now, where the trend might as well continue in the initial direction. However the price does another peak B2 which is a lower high. The price continues to drop below the previous lows level B3. Now the trend is considered to be reversed ( bearish) This is the last point where one should get rid of the position. Here the price usually makes rapid movements, since traders have set their stops here and some of them are changing from optimist to pessimist and reversing their position. This causes strong volume on the sell side.

This concept can be used from tick-time frames to weekly charts, but one has to keep in mind that the superior time frames set the major "winds" of the market: it is recommended to trade a bullish trend on the shorter time frames, when the trend is also bullish on the longer time frames.