Showing posts with label Retracement Trading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retracement Trading. Show all posts

Friday, January 24, 2025

Evaluation of Trade No. 3 – Universal Robina Corporation (URC)

Contents:

  • Trade Details
  • Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy Review
  • Final Trade Assessment
  • Next Steps

As part of our planned 20 test trades using the Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy, we executed our third trade on January 23, 2025, with Universal Robina Corporation (URC). Below is a detailed evaluation of the trade, analyzing our entry decision, market conditions, and trade management.

Technical analysis chart of URC with retracement levels, moving averages, and buy entry.

URC Daily Chart Showing Key Retracement Levels and Trade Entry.


Trade No. 3 Details

  • Trade No.: 3/20

  • Stock: Universal Robina Corporation (URC)

  • Trade Date: January 24, 2025

  • Action: Buy

  • Entry Type: Anticipatory Entry

  • Signal: Green Tail Bar

  • Entry Price: 66.85

  • Shares Bought: 50

  • Position Size: Remaining 50% of target URC trading shares, completing portfolio allocation


Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy Review

1. Market State & Trend Context - Score: 7/10

  • The stock remains in a strong downtrend, making lower highs and lower lows.

  • The 200-day MA (97.40) is trending downward, reinforcing bearish sentiment.

  • The 20-day MA (74.41) is also declining, acting as dynamic resistance.

  • URC closed at 66.80, still significantly below both moving averages.

  • Verdict: The stock remains weak, but a potential short-term reversal setup is emerging.

2. Position, Location & Key Retracement Zones - Score: 8/10

  • The stock is testing key retracement levels:

    • 55% retracement (67.65) is near the entry zone.

    • 75% retracement (68.55) is the next resistance.

    • Hard resistance at 71.50, where an exit is planned if reached.

  • Verdict: The entry at 66.85 is well-positioned within retracement structure but faces nearby resistance.

3. Power Bars & Retracement Strength - Score: 6/10

  • A green tail bar formed near key support (67.00), suggesting buyers stepped in.

  • However, previous red power bars indicate that sellers still hold dominance.

  • Verdict: Early signs of reversal, but stronger confirmation is required.

4. Entry with Confirmation from Both Strategies - Score: 6/10

  • The entry was made in anticipation of a bounce, based on a green tail bar at key support.

  • A stronger confirmation would have been a green power bar with volume.

  • Verdict: Entry is slightly aggressive but aligns with retracement principles.

5. Tactical Stop-Loss Adjustments - Score: 8/10

  • Stop-loss level: 65.50 (aligned with key retracement failure level).

  • A break below 65.50 would confirm further downside risk.

  • Verdict: The stop-loss is correctly placed for risk control.

6. Color Change as Secondary Confirmation - Score: 6/10

  • The green tail bar signals possible strength, but it must be followed by a green power bar.

  • If the price closes below 65.50, bearish momentum would resume.

  • Verdict: Pending confirmation.

7. Profit-Taking Aligned with Retracement Targets - Score: 8/10

  • First profit target: 69.60 (100% retracement level).

  • Next target: 71.50 (hard resistance, planned exit).

  • Verdict: Profit-taking levels are well-placed.

8. Re-Entry at Secondary Retracement Pullbacks - Score: 7/10

  • If the price pulls back to 67.00 and holds, a re-entry could be considered.

  • Verdict: Additional confirmation is needed before adding to the position.

9. Tactical Position Management - Score: 8/10

  • Position size at 50% allows flexibility for adjustments.

  • Verdict: Risk is well-managed.

10. Counter-Trend Trades Only When Retracement Fails - Score: 7/10

  • If the price falls below 65.50, a sell signal would emerge.

  • Verdict: Stop-loss must be honored strictly.


Final Trade Assessment

Trade Rating: 7/10

Pros: 

✅ Entry is at a key retracement level.

Green tail bar confirmation suggests early support.

Good risk management with a 50% position size.

✅ Logical profit-taking zones set at 69.60-71.50.

Cons: 

Volume is low, suggesting weak buyer conviction.

Major resistance overhead at 71.50.

❌ A stronger entry would have been a green power bar with volume confirmation.

Next Steps:

  • Monitor for bullish continuation above 67.65.

  • Move stop-loss to breakeven (66.85) if price reaches 69.60.

  • Exit if price closes below 65.50.


Conclusion

This third trade in our 20-test trade series follows the Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy, and while the entry was well-positioned, it lacks strong confirmation. The trade will be monitored for momentum continuation, and risk will be managed accordingly. Future trades will focus on higher volume confirmation before entry.



Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any trading decisions.


Related Readings

Evaluation of Trade No. 1 – RL Commercial REIT (RCR)

Contents:

  • Trade No. 1 Details
  • Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy Review
  • Final Trade Assessment
  • Next Steps

As part of our planned 20 test trades using the Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy, we executed our first trade on January 23, 2025, with RL Commercial REIT (RCR). Below is a detailed evaluation of the trade, analyzing our entry decision, market conditions, and trade management.

Technical analysis chart of RCR with retracement levels, moving averages, and buy entry.

RCR Daily Chart Showing Key Retracement Levels and Trade Entry.


Trade No. 1 Details

  • Trade No.: 1/20

  • Stock: RL Commercial REIT (RCR)

  • Trade Date: January 24, 2025

  • Action: Buy

  • Entry Type: Anticipatory Entry

  • Signal: Bullish Pin Bar

  • Entry Price: 6.00

  • Shares Bought: 200

  • Position Size: Remaining 20% of RCR trading shares balance, completing the RCR portfolio allocation


Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy Review

1. Market State & Trend Context - Score: 7/10

  • The stock had been in a downtrend from November to December 2024 but recently showed signs of reversal.

  • A double-bottom pattern had formed, suggesting a potential bullish shift.

  • Moving Averages:

    • The 200-day MA (5.61) remains below the price, indicating long-term weakness.

    • The 20-day MA (5.89) was tested as support, hinting at an upward resumption.

  • Verdict: Mixed signals, but recent price action suggests bullish potential.

2. Position, Location & Key Retracement Zones - Score: 8/10

  • The stock was trading within retracement zones from previous highs:

    • 30% retracement (5.89) held as support.

    • 41% retracement (5.94) was tested before entry.

    • 66% retracement (6.09) remains a major resistance.

  • The entry at 6.00 was within the acceptable retracement range.

  • Verdict: Good entry zone, but strong resistance ahead.

3. Power Bars & Retracement Strength - Score: 6/10

  • A bullish pin bar formed at the 20-MA, aligning with a retracement level.

  • No strong green power bars yet, but higher lows suggest accumulation.

  • Verdict: Entry is based on anticipation; confirmation is required.

4. Entry with Confirmation from Both Strategies - Score: 6/10

  • The entry was taken in anticipation of a breakout due to the pin bar signal.

  • Stronger confirmation would have been a break above 6.05 with volume.

  • Verdict: Slightly aggressive entry, but acceptable within strategy.

5. Tactical Stop-Loss Adjustments - Score: 8/10

  • Stop-loss level: Below 5.89 (under the 30% retracement and 20-MA support).

  • A break below this would indicate a failed trend reversal.

  • Verdict: Stop-loss is well-placed for risk control.

6. Color Change as Secondary Confirmation - Score: 6/10

  • The pin bar suggests a reversal attempt, but a green power bar is needed for confirmation.

  • If the price closes below 5.89, the trade becomes high risk.

  • Verdict: Confirmation is still pending.

7. Profit-Taking Aligned with Retracement Targets - Score: 8/10

  • First profit target: 6.09 - 6.15 (retracement resistance zone).

  • Next target: 6.29 (previous 100% retracement level).

  • Verdict: Targets are logical within the resistance structure.

8. Re-Entry at Secondary Retracement Pullbacks - Score: 7/10

  • If price dips to 5.89-5.94 and rebounds, re-entry could be considered.

  • Verdict: Further confirmation needed before adding to position.

9. Tactical Position Management - Score: 8/10

  • Position size at 20% keeps risk controlled while testing the setup.

  • Verdict: Conservative position sizing aligns with risk management.

10. Counter-Trend Trades Only When Retracement Fails - Score: 7/10

  • If price falls below 5.89, a sell signal would emerge.

  • Verdict: Stop-loss should be honored strictly.


Final Trade Assessment

Trade Rating: 7.2/10

Pros: 

✅ Entry is at a key retracement level.

Pin bar confirmation suggests bullish momentum.

Good risk management with a 20% position size.

✅ Logical profit-taking zones set at 6.09-6.15.

Cons: 

❌ No green power bar confirmation yet.

Major resistance overhead at 6.09-6.15.

❌ A safer entry would have been above 6.05 with volume confirmation.

Next Steps:

  • Monitor bullish continuation above 6.05.

  • Move stop-loss to breakeven (6.00) if price reaches 6.09.

  • Exit if price closes below 5.89.


Conclusion

This first trade in our 20-test trade series follows the Hybrid 10-Step Trading Strategy, and while the entry was slightly aggressive, it aligns with retracement principles. The trade will be monitored for confirmation of bullish momentum, and risk will be managed accordingly. Future trades will focus on stronger confirmation signals before entry.



Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any trading decisions.


Related Readings

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Micro Stock Trader’s Adopted Retracement Trading Strategy

Contents:

  • Understanding Retracement in Trading
  • The Key Levels of Retracement Trading
  • Equivalent Discussion for a Downtrend Power Move
  • The Sweet Spot for Trading Retracements
  • Practical Application
  • Tactical Entry Assessment for URC at 68 Level (Week 4)
  • Conclusion

At Micro Stock Trader, we continuously refine our trading strategies to align with sound, proven methodologies. One approach we are incorporating into our toolkit is Oliver Velez’s Retracement Trading Strategy, as outlined in his YouTube presentation, "How To Trade Key Retracement Without Indicators" (Watch here).

Stock chart of Universal Robina Corporation (URC) displaying retracement levels, trend continuation zones, and trend reversal zones based on the Retracement Trading Strategy. Key price levels at 68, 77, 80, 84, 92, and 104.4 are marked.

Week 4 analysis of Universal Robina Corporation (URC) using the Retracement Trading Strategy, highlighting key trend reversal and trend continuation zones. The stock is currently testing the 0% retracement level at 68, a critical point for potential rebound or further downside continuation.


Understanding Retracement in Trading

A market move that shows a strong burst of momentum often undergoes a natural retracement before resuming its trend. The key to retracement trading is understanding when a pullback presents a viable trading opportunity versus when it signals potential trouble.

According to Oliver Velez, there are two types of strength moves in the market:

  1. Single-bar strength move: A single large power bar showing aggressive movement in price.

  2. Multiple-bar period of strength: A sustained upward or downward trend over several bars.

Both types of moves create key levels that define retracement zones, which traders can use to make informed decisions.

The Key Levels of Retracement Trading

When a stock experiences a significant strength move, it establishes two critical levels:

  • Top of Strength Move: This is the peak of the power move, marking the 0% retracement level.

  • Origin of Strength Move: This is where the power move began, marking the 100% retracement level.

The retracement occurs when the price pulls back from the peak of the move. The probability of a rebound to the original strength level depends on how deep the retracement goes. The breakdown of probabilities is as follows:

  • Retracement to 33% (1/3 of the move):

    • 80% probability of rebounding back to the top of the strength move.

    • Considered a high-probability trade setup.

  • Retracement to 50%-66% (midpoint to 2/3 of the move):

    • 50% probability of rebounding back to the top.

    • The risk increases as price moves deeper into the retracement zone.

  • Full retracement (back to origin or 100% retracement):

    • 10% probability of rebounding back to the top.

    • A full retracement indicates potential trend failure.

Equivalent Discussion for a Downtrend Power Move

In the case of a downtrend or downward power move, the retracement process works in reverse. The price experiences a strong decline, and a counter-trend rally or pullback occurs before potentially resuming the downward trend. The probability of resuming the downtrend depends on the retracement depth:

  • Retracement to 33% (1/3 of the move):

    • 80% probability of price resuming its downward move to the prior low.

    • Considered a high-probability continuation trade setup.

  • Retracement to 50%-66% (midpoint to 2/3 of the move):

    • 50% probability of price resuming its downward move.

    • Increased risk as price moves deeper into the retracement zone, signaling potential trend hesitation.

  • Full retracement (back to origin or 100% retracement):

    • 10% probability of price resuming the downward move.

    • A full retracement suggests potential trend reversal or trend failure.

The Sweet Spot for Trading Retracements

The most favorable area for high-probability trades lies in the 25%-45% retracement range. This zone offers 60% to 90% win probabilities, making it the optimal entry area for a retracement trade.

By waiting for a pullback into this sweet spot zone, traders increase their chances of capturing a continuation move back to the highs (in an uptrend) or back to the lows (in a downtrend), while avoiding trades that may result in trend reversals.

Practical Application

  1. Identify a Strong Move: Look for either a single-bar power move or a multi-bar strength move.

  2. Mark Key Levels: Identify the top of the move (0%) and the origin (100%).

  3. Monitor Retracement Levels: Wait for a pullback into the 25%-45% retracement range.

  4. Execute Trades with Confirmation: Use price action signals or volume confirmation before entering a trade.

  5. Set Targets and Stop Losses: Aim for a return to the top (in an uptrend) or to the prior low (in a downtrend) while managing risk accordingly.

Tactical Entry Assessment for URC at 68 Level (Week 4)

Scenario Analysis

Micro Stock Trader is considering a tactical entry at 68 level for 90 URC shares in Week 4. Given the recent downward power move from an origin of 104.40 (October 1, 2024) to a low of 67.80 (January 17, 2024), the retracement strategy suggests that URC is at a critical level where a potential trend reversal may occur.

Rationale for Entering at 68 Using a Stop Limit Order

The rationale for entering at 68 for 90 URC shares is to live test the Stop Limit Order by DragonFi. A Stop Limit Order is a type of order designed to help traders buy breakouts, limit losses, or take profits.

To place a Stop Limit Order, two prices must be specified:

  • Stop Price: The price at which the order becomes executable. We are setting our Stop Price at 67.80.

  • Limit Price: The highest price we are willing to pay (if buying) or the lowest price we are willing to accept (if selling). We are setting our Buy Limit Price at 68.

This means our order will only be executed at a price that is at or below the Limit Price of 68, ensuring that we won’t pay more than 68 for the stock. This strategy allows for controlled entry into the trade while minimizing slippage.

Strengths of Entering at 68 Level

  • Deep retracement suggests discounted entry: A price near the lowest level of the move provides an opportunity for maximum upside potential if a reversal occurs.

  • Potential breakout from oversold levels: If buying momentum builds up, it could trigger a move towards the trend reversal sweet spot (88.00 - 95.00 range).

  • Clear stop-loss placement: Entry at 68 allows traders to define a tight stop-loss just below 67.80, minimizing downside risk.

Weaknesses and Risks

  • Potential continuation of downtrend: The stock may still be in a bearish phase, and a break below 67.80 could signal further downside.

  • Limited confirmation of trend reversal: The stock has not yet reached the 55%-75% retracement levels where reversals typically gain momentum.

  • Low probability of immediate rally: At 68, the probability of an immediate move back to 104.40 is low, given that it has yet to break key resistance levels.

Probabilities Based on Strategy

  • If URC rebounds into the sweet spot (88.00 - 95.00): 60%-90% probability of trend reversal.

  • If URC fails to reclaim above 75% retracement level (95.30): Potential fake breakout leading to another downtrend leg.

  • If URC breaks below 67.80: High risk of continued sell-off and new lower low formation.

Overall Assessment

A tactical entry at 68 for 100 URC shares presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. Given that this level represents an extreme retracement, a trend reversal strategy should be confirmed by price action signals (e.g., bullish engulfing, high buying volume). The safest approach would be:

  • Partial entry at 68, monitoring price reaction.

  • Adding more positions near 75% retracement (95.30) if the trend reversal gains traction.

  • Strict stop-loss below 67.80 to prevent deep losses.

Conclusion

While the retracement trading strategy provides valuable insights, it is crucial to wait for confirmation before committing fully to a reversal trade. A tactical entry at 68 could yield significant rewards if the stock rallies into the trend reversal zone, but risk management is key to prevent substantial losses in case of further declines.

Retracement trading is a powerful tool when used correctly. By focusing on the 25%-45% retracement zone, traders can maximize their win rates while minimizing risks. At Micro Stock Trader, we believe this method provides an effective framework for identifying high-probability trading opportunities without relying on additional indicators.



Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any trading decisions.


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