Day Trading the E-Mini Futures Masterclass 2024
Introduction
- Focus on three main strategies:
- Retracements (Halfway Back)
- One-Minute Hammers and Inverted Hammers
- 15-Minute Opening Range Breakout
- Primarily using the E-mini S&P, but strategies can be adapted to other markets and timeframes.
Basic Concepts
- Trading strategies cover entry, management, and exit points.
- Platforms: Thinkorswim, Tradevate, Ninja, TradeStation.
- Identify trends: Uptrend, downtrend, sideways.
- Key focus: Buying pullbacks, selling bounces, and trend reversals.
Strategy 1: Retracements (Halfway Back)
Overview
- Originated from swing trading concepts.
- Focus on pullbacks in trends (50% retracement entry).
Timeframes
- Use charts ranging from 5-12 tick to hourly.
- Important to identify trend changes early.
Process
- Identify Trend: Up, down, or sideways.
- Place Trade: Enter on pullbacks or trend reversals.
- Manage Trade: Stop placements, trailing stops, profit targets.
Entry & Exit
- Enter using limit orders based on 50% retracement.
- Use a 2-point stop.
- Trailing stop strategies: Based on swing highs/lows or each tick chart.
Strategy 2: One-Minute Hammers and Inverted Hammers
Overview
- Focus on momentum and price rejection.
- Uses breakout entries above hammers or below inverted hammers.
Entry & Exit
- Entry: 1 tick above/below hammer.
- Use 3-point stop.
- Trail stop with each candle closure.
- Optional: Use a target (e.g., 6 points) and trail remaining position.
Strategy 3: 15-Minute Opening Range Breakout
Overview
- Designed to capitalize on strong trends.
- Uses the first 15-minute bar as a breakout indicator.
Entry & Exit
- Entry: 1 tick above/below the first 15-minute bar.
- Use a 20-point target.
- Two stop options: Entire candle distance or fixed (e.g., 4 points).
Special Considerations
- Avoid trading on days with gap fills within the first 15 minutes.
- Do not trade on FOMC days, expiration Fridays, or specific holiday periods.
- Reversal trades if initial breakout is stopped out within first 90 minutes.
General Tips
- Clean up chart setups to simplify decision-making.
- Use efficient charting tools: 512 tick chart, Fibonacci retracements.
- Use separate accounts for different strategies to avoid confusion.
- Focus on patience, discipline, and sticking to the plan.
- Regularly assess and commit to strategies for at least six months.
Conclusion
- Importance of mindset and discipline in trading success.
- Be consistent with strategy execution and avoid frequent changes.
- Contact for questions: [email protected]
These notes summarize the key points from the lecture, focusing on actionable strategies and trading guidelines for day trading the E-mini Futures.