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Invalidation Levels in Trading

Oct 10, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the concept of invalidation levels in trading, focusing on how and where to place them for effective trade management and analysis.

Invalidation Levels in Uptrends

  • Invalidation levels are placed below significant lows that have taken liquidity.
  • Do not place invalidation below every low, only those that are meaningful for the trend.
  • Breaking below a key low that took liquidity suggests a failed uptrend.

Invalidation Levels in Downtrends

  • Invalidation levels are placed above significant highs that have taken liquidity.
  • A break above such a high signals a potential end to the bearish trend.
  • Focus on levels that, if broken, make the chart’s direction unclear.

Using Supply and Demand Zones

  • Invalidation can be set above a supply zone in a bearish scenario; breaking it indicates not bearish enough.
  • In bullish scenarios, invalidation is set below the lowest point of a demand zone that initiated a move to new highs.
  • Breaching this demand zone suggests a shift to bearish conditions.

Logical Placement of Invalidation

  • Place invalidation where, if price breaks, you no longer understand the chart.
  • Avoid seeking trades when the market behavior breaks your analysis logic.
  • Invalidation for analysis may differ from a trade’s stop-loss; analysis invalidation is broader.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Invalidation Level — A price point where your analysis or trade thesis is considered incorrect if breached.
  • Liquidity — Market orders clustered around highs/lows that can trigger significant price movement.
  • Supply Zone — A price area where selling interest is strong enough to resist further price increases.
  • Demand Zone — A price area with strong buying interest that supports price increases.
  • Stop-Loss — A predetermined price at which a trade is closed to limit losses.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice identifying significant invalidation levels in various market trends.
  • Compare invalidation levels with stop-loss placements in your trade planning.
  • Review and discuss these concepts with peers for deeper understanding.