Morning Gap Scalp

Entry Logic

• Exact Entry Trigger: A stock gaps up and shows strong momentum. Enter long on a 1-minute chart for a quick scalp.
• Confirmation Requirements: The stock must be trading above VWAP. The momentum should be strong.
• Timeframe Required: 1-minute chart.
• Location Context: The entry occurs in the direction of the immediate trend.
• Market Condition Requirement: A strong trending market.

Exit Logic

• Profit Target(s): Target a quick 0.5R to 1R profit.
• Scaling Out Rules: No scaling out. Exit the entire position at the target.
• Trailing Stop Rules: Use a tight trailing stop, such as the 9-period EMA on the 1-minute chart.
• Exit on Signal Failure: Exit immediately if the momentum stalls.
• Exit on Opposite Signal: Not applicable.
• Exit on Time Expiration: Exit within 5-10 minutes.
• Exit on Momentum Loss: Exit immediately.

Stop Loss Structure

• Hard Stop Location: Below the low of the previous 1-minute candle.
• Soft Stop Rules: None.
• Maximum Dollar Loss: 0.5% of account.
• Maximum Percent Loss: 1% of stock price.
• Structural Stop Placement: Below the low of the previous 1-minute candle.

Risk Management Framework

• Risk Per Trade: 0.5% of capital.
• Maximum Daily Loss Limit: 2%.
• Maximum Weekly Loss Limit: 5%.
• Maximum Drawdown Allowed: 10%.
• Risk-Reward Ratio Requirement: Minimum 1:1.

Position Sizing Model

• Recommended Sizing Approach: Based on 0.5% risk rule.
• Volatility-Based Adjustment: Reduce size in volatile stocks.
• Conviction-Based Sizing: Full size for A+ setups.
• Scaling In Rules: Do not scale in.
• Scaling Out Rules: As defined in Exit Logic.

Trade Filtering

• Market Conditions to Avoid: Range-bound or bearish markets.
• Specific Setups Required: A morning gap scalp.
• Stock/Instrument Requirements: High-beta stocks.
• Time of Day Restrictions: First 30 minutes of trading.
• Chop/News Avoidance Rules: Avoid news-driven gaps.

Context Framework

• Trend Direction Assessment: Best in strong bull markets.
• VWAP Relationship: The entry must be above VWAP.
• Moving Average Relationship: The stock is trading above its key moving averages.
• Range Location: At the top of the daily range.
• Higher Timeframe Alignment: The daily chart should be in an uptrend.

Trade Management Rules

• When to Move Stop to Breakeven: After the first target is hit.
• When to Scale Out: At profit targets.
• When to Add Size: Never.
• How to Handle Fast Moves vs Slow Moves: This is a fast move strategy.

Time Rules

• Optimal Trading Window: First 30 minutes of trading.
• Times to Avoid: After 10:00 AM EST.
• Session-Specific Notes: Best in the New York session.

Setup Classification

• A+ Setup Criteria: A clear setup with high volume and strong momentum.
• A Setup Criteria: A clear setup with average volume.
• B Setup Criteria: A weak setup.
• C Setup Criteria: No clear setup.

Market Selection Criteria

• Instrument Requirements: High-beta stocks.
• Volume/Liquidity Requirements: >2M daily volume.
• Volatility Requirements: High.

Statistical Edge Metrics

• Expected Win Rate: 65-70%.
• Average Win Size: 1R.
• Average Loss Size: 1R.
• Profit Factor: 1.5 to 2.0.
• Expectancy Per Trade: +0.5R to +0.7R.

Failure Conditions

• Market Conditions Where Strategy Fails: Range-bound or bearish markets.
• Specific Scenarios to Avoid: Stocks that lack momentum.

Psychological Rules

• Key Mental Discipline Requirements: Requires quick reflexes and the ability to take small profits.

Advanced Components

• Market Regime Detection: Use market internals to confirm strength.
• Volatility/Liquidity Filters: Avoid illiquid stocks.
• Correlation Filters: Not applicable.
• Multi-Timeframe Alignment: Look for confirmation on the 5-minute chart.

Location

• Where This Setup Is Strongest: In a strong bull market.
• Where This Setup Is Weakest: In a range-bound market.
• Location Changes Outcome: The strength of the trend is critical.