Strategy #390
TPO Count Imbalance Trade
Entry Logic
- Entry is a long position when there is a significant TPO count imbalance at a support level.
- Confirmation is a bullish candle closing above the imbalance level.
- Timeframe is the 30-minute chart.
- Location is at a key support level.
- Market is in a range or a slow uptrend.
Exit Logic
- Profit target is the next resistance level.
- Scale out 50% at a 2:1 risk-reward ratio.
- Trail the stop loss below the low of the last 3 bars.
- Exit if a significant TPO count imbalance appears on the other side.
- Exit on a bearish engulfing candle.
- Exit if the price does not move in your favor within 2 bars.
- Exit if volume dries up.
Stop Loss Structure
- Hard stop is placed 10 ticks below the entry price.
- Soft stop is a close below the support level.
- Maximum dollar loss is $100 per trade.
- Maximum percent loss is 1% of the account.
- Structural stop is below the support level.
Risk Management Framework
- Risk 0.5% of the account per trade.
- Daily loss limit is 2% of the account.
- Weekly loss limit is 5% of the account.
- Maximum drawdown is 15%.
- Risk-reward ratio must be at least 1:3.
Position Sizing Model
- Use a fixed lot size.
- No volatility adjustment.
- Same size for all setups.
- Do not scale in.
- Scale out as per the exit logic.
Trade Filtering
- Avoid trading during high-impact news.
- Only trade at pre-defined support and resistance levels.
- Trade only highly liquid instruments.
- Avoid trading in the first 30 minutes of the market open.
- Do not trade in very volatile markets.
Context Framework
- Trend is sideways or slowly rising.
- Price is hovering around VWAP.
- Price is between the 20 and 50 EMAs.
- Location is at a support level.
- The higher timeframe chart (daily) shows a consolidation.
Trade Management Rules
- Move stop to breakeven after the first profit target is hit.
- Scale out at resistance levels.
- Do not add to the position.
- Take profits quickly.
Time Rules
- Optimal trading window is from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST.
- Avoid trading during lunchtime.
- The strategy is best suited for quiet market conditions.
Setup Classification
- A+ setup: Large TPO imbalance at a major support level with immediate bullish reaction.
- A setup: Moderate TPO imbalance at a minor support level.
- B setup: Small TPO imbalance with a delayed reaction.
- C setup: No clear TPO imbalance.
Market Selection Criteria
- Trade ES, NQ, and ZB futures.
- High liquidity is essential.
- Low to moderate volatility is preferred.
Statistical Edge Metrics
- Expected win rate is 65%.
- Average win is 2R.
- Average loss is 1R.
- Profit factor is 1.3.
- Expectancy per trade is 0.3R.
Failure Conditions
- The strategy fails in fast-moving, trending markets.
- Avoid trading when there is a lack of order flow.
Psychological Rules
- Be decisive and act quickly on the signal.
- Do not get attached to the trade.
Advanced Components
- Use a market profile to identify the TPO count imbalance.
- Use a filter to measure the strength of the imbalance.
- Do not trade correlated instruments at the same time.
- The daily chart should confirm the consolidation.
Location
- Strongest at well-established support and resistance levels.
- Weakest in the middle of a range.
- The location of the TPO imbalance is a key factor in determining the trade's success.