Financial Spread Betting for a Living > Educational Videos > Lesson 18: Day Trading and Charting – Looking at Higher Timeframes

Lesson 18: Day Trading and Charting – Looking at Higher Timeframes

 

Practicalities and looking at higher timeframes. When day trading and charting it is best to start at higher levels like daily, then you reduce the timeframe to hourly and then drill down to just 15 minute timeframes. You can even go down to just minutely charts. PLEASE SUPPORT US BY LIKING THIS VIDEO IF YOU FOUND IT USEFUL

In trading, one of the most critical yet often overlooked practices is analyzing higher timeframes before focusing on lower timeframes. By starting with a broader perspective, traders can gain insights into major market levels and trends, ensuring their strategies are aligned with the bigger picture.


Why Higher Timeframes Matter

Higher timeframes, such as daily or weekly charts, reveal the overarching market structure. These charts help traders identify significant levels where the price has historically reversed or stalled. These levels are crucial because they are often watched by institutional traders who manage large volumes of money and significantly influence market movements. By understanding these levels, retail traders can anticipate potential market reactions and adjust their strategies accordingly.

For instance, identifying a major resistance level on a daily chart can provide context when analyzing a one-minute chart. If the price approaches this resistance level on the lower timeframe, the trader can anticipate a possible reversal or breakout based on the higher timeframe trend.


The Risks of Relying Solely on Lower Timeframes

While lower timeframes, like one-minute or five-minute charts, are essential for precise entry and exit points, relying solely on them can lead to a narrow perspective. Without the context of higher timeframes, traders risk missing critical information, such as long-term trends or key levels, which may affect their positions.

For example, a trader focused only on a one-minute chart may fail to notice that the market is approaching a yearly high, a level likely to trigger significant price reactions. This oversight can result in poor decision-making and unexpected losses.

About the author

Andy Richardson

Andy began his trading journey over 24 years ago while in graduate school, sparked by a Christmas gift of investing money and a book. From his first stock purchase to exploring advanced instruments like spread betting and CFDs, he has always sought to expand his understanding of the markets. After facing challenges with day trading and high-pressure strategies, Andy discovered that his strengths lie in swing and position trading. By focusing on longer-term market movements, he found a sustainable and disciplined approach. Through his website, Andy shares his experiences and insights, guiding others in navigating the complexities of spread betting, CFDs, and trading with a balanced mindset.

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