Strategy #218
V-Bottom Reversal
Entry Logic
- Enter long on a high-volume breakout above the V-bottom's neckline.
- Confirmation requires the breakout candle to close in its top 25%.
- Use a 5-minute timeframe for this pattern.
- Entry occurs above the 9-period EMA.
- Strategy is best in volatile, trending markets.
Exit Logic
- Profit target is a 2:1 risk-reward ratio from the entry.
- Scale out 33% at 1R, 33% at 2R, and let the rest run.
- Trail the stop using the 20-period SMA.
- Exit if price closes below the 9-period EMA.
- Exit on any bearish reversal candle pattern.
- Exit if the trade is not profitable within 90 minutes.
- Exit if the RSI (14) drops below 60.
Stop Loss Structure
- Place a hard stop below the low of the V-bottom.
- No soft stop is used for this strategy.
- Maximum dollar loss is $300 per trade.
- Maximum percent loss is 0.75% of the account.
- The structural stop is the absolute low of the pattern.
Risk Management Framework
- Risk 0.5% of the account per trade.
- Daily loss limit is 1.5% of the account.
- Weekly loss limit is 4% of the account.
- Maximum drawdown is 12%.
- Minimum risk-reward ratio is 2:1.
Position Sizing Model
- Use a risk-based position sizing model.
- No volatility adjustment is needed.
- Use 2x size for A+ setups with extreme volume.
- Do not scale into trades.
- Scale out at 1R and 2R profit targets.
Trade Filtering
- Avoid trading during FOMC announcements.
- Requires a sharp V-shape with a clear neckline.
- Trade only stocks priced between $20 and $100.
- Avoid trading in the first 5 minutes of the open.
- Do not trade in low-volatility conditions.
Context Framework
- The daily chart should show a clear uptrend.
- Price must be above the VWAP.
- Price must be above the 200-period SMA on the 1-hour chart.
- The pattern should form after a sharp sell-off.
- The weekly chart should indicate a bullish bias.
Trade Management Rules
- Move the stop to breakeven after the first profit target is hit.
- Scale out at 1R and 2R.
- Do not add to winning trades.
- In fast moves, trail the stop with the 9-period EMA.
Time Rules
- The optimal trading window is the first hour of the trading day.
- Avoid trading after 3:00 PM EST.
- The pattern is most effective during the US session.
Setup Classification
- A+ setup: Sharp V-bottom, extreme volume, strong trend alignment.
- A setup: Clear V-bottom, high volume, trend alignment.
- B setup: Rounded V-bottom, average volume, neutral market.
- C setup: No clear V-shape, avoid.
Market Selection Criteria
- Trade high-beta stocks and leveraged ETFs.
- Minimum daily volume of 10 million shares.
- Minimum daily range of 3%.
Statistical Edge Metrics
- Expected win rate is 55%.
- Average win is 2.5R.
- Average loss is 1R.
- Profit factor is 1.375.
- Expectancy per trade is 0.375R.
Failure Conditions
- The strategy fails in ranging markets.
- A failed breakout and retest of the low is a common failure.
Psychological Rules
- Be prepared for fast-moving trades.
- Do not chase entries if the initial breakout is missed.
Advanced Components
- Use a breadth indicator to confirm market-wide reversals.
- A volatility filter can screen for high-volatility conditions.
- Avoid trading this pattern on correlated assets.
- The 4-hour chart must show a bullish engulfing or similar reversal candle.
Location
- The setup is strongest after a failed breakdown of a key support level.
- The setup is weakest in the middle of a trading range.
- The location relative to higher timeframe support is critical.