These ICT Setups Made Me $20,485

Summary

In this video, the trader breaks down a series of high-conviction trades executed across multiple prop firm accounts, netting over $22,000. Each setup is analyzed in detail, focusing on liquidity sweeps, SMT (Simultaneous Move Trigger) patterns, and key market reactions. The trader explains how factors like momentum, major liquidity zones (e.g., London and Asia highs/lows), and patience during high-risk times (like lunchtime) lead to consistent profits. With a proven 80% win rate, the trader shares their method and invites others to join their Discord for live trading insights and education.

Takeaways

• 😀 A consistent strategy leads to substantial profits: The speaker made over $22,000 across all prop firm accounts using a repeatable trading model.
• 😀 SMT (Simultaneous Move Test) is a key technique: The speaker often uses SMT as added confirmation for trade setups, especially when one pair sweeps a liquidity level but another does not.
• 😀 Liquidity sweeps are critical: Sweeping liquidity levels, such as London or Asia highs and lows, provides valuable signals for entering trades in the opposite direction.
• 😀 Timing plays a role: The most profitable trades tend to happen during the New York Kill Zone (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM), but even trades taken outside of this window can be successful with the right strategy.
• 😀 Patience is essential: Successful trades often require waiting for confirmation, such as a liquidity sweep followed by a strong reaction, rather than jumping in too early.
• 😀 Momentum and reactions are key indicators: After a liquidity sweep, a strong and immediate reaction (either bullish or bearish) confirms the trade direction.
• 😀 Not all setups require SMT: While SMT adds confidence to a trade, it’s not always necessary. A good reaction at a liquidity level can still result in a profitable trade.
• 😀 Inverse entries can be effective: Entering trades after liquidity sweeps with a reversal candle is a preferred method, as shown in several examples, even when there's no major liquidity sweep.
• 😀 Risk management is important: The speaker emphasizes using proper stop-loss management (e.g., waiting for a full candle close) to avoid getting stopped out unnecessarily.
• 😀 Trade setups remain consistent: The speaker focuses on looking for the same confluences and setups every day, avoiding trades when conditions are not met, which helps maintain a high win rate (80%).

Q & A

What is the significance of an SMT (Simultaneous Multiple Timeframe) setup in trading?

SMT occurs when two pairs that typically follow each other fail to do so. For example, if one pair sweeps a liquidity level and the other does not, it signals a potential market direction. SMT acts as additional confluence, providing more confidence in the trade's outcome, though it's not strictly necessary for a successful setup.

Why is a liquidity sweep considered an important factor in executing trades?

Liquidity sweeps occur when price moves to absorb large orders, creating significant levels of liquidity in the market. This helps traders identify areas where the market is likely to reverse or accelerate. A strong liquidity sweep, especially from key levels like Asia or London highs/lows, provides high-probability setups, signaling a potential shift in market direction.

What does the term 'grinding down' mean when describing price action in a trade?

'Grinding down' refers to a slow, steady decline in price rather than a sharp, rapid drop. This indicates that the market is moving without significant retracements or reversals, and suggests a strong trend in the direction of the move, often giving traders confidence to hold positions.

How do liquidity sweeps on ES differ from those on NQ in the video?

In the video, liquidity sweeps on **ES** (S&P 500 futures) and **NQ** (Nasdaq futures) are used to gauge market direction. While the setups are similar, **ES** liquidity sweeps often have more weight due to the broader market representation, while **NQ** sweeps can be more volatile. When one pair sweeps a level while the other does not, it signals a discrepancy and offers a potential trade opportunity, especially when paired with strong momentum and market reactions.

What is the importance of timing in the trader's strategy, especially with the 'Kill Zone'?

The 'Kill Zone' refers to the time between 9:30 and 11:00 AM, when market liquidity and momentum are highest. This period provides better probabilities for success due to the increased market activity. Trading outside of this window, like during lunchtime (12:00 PM), carries more risk as momentum tends to slow, but setups can still work if the market shows strong reactions.

What is the role of order blocks in the trader's strategy, and how does it affect the decision-making process?

Order blocks are areas where large institutional orders are executed, often creating levels of support or resistance. The trader looks for a shift in price around these blocks to confirm a trend reversal or continuation. For example, in the August 19th play, the creation of an order block after a bullish candle followed by a bearish candle helped solidify the entry point for the trade.

What was unique about the August 22nd trade, and why did the trader avoid catching the falling knife?

The August 22nd trade was unique because the market had already dropped around 500 points, and the trader avoided entering immediately. Instead, they waited for the first signs of a bullish shift. This approach, often referred to as 'waiting for the market to rebalance,' allowed the trader to catch a sniper entry after confirming a reversal rather than trying to 'catch the falling knife,' which is a risky move when the market is in freefall.

Why did the August 29th setup fail to deliver the expected results despite the liquidity sweep?

The August 29th setup failed to provide a large move because, although a liquidity sweep occurred (Wednesday's London high), the market didn't react strongly. There was accumulation and minimal momentum after the sweep, which caused the trade to only hit a smaller 50-point move instead of the usual 100+ points expected from higher-confidence setups.

What does the trader mean by 'not complicating the trade' when describing their approach?

By 'not complicating the trade,' the trader means sticking to their proven, straightforward strategy without overthinking or second-guessing setups. They focus on clear liquidity sweeps, strong market reactions, and waiting for confluence signals before entering a trade. This approach allows them to maintain consistency and high win rates without deviating from their established rules.

How does the trader's approach to patience affect their trading success, as seen in the August 30th setup?

Patience is a core component of the trader's strategy, particularly when waiting for key liquidity levels to be swept and market conditions to align. In the August 30th setup, the trader waited for the Asia low to be swept after the London high was reached, ensuring the setup had more confluence before entering. This patience paid off, leading to a profitable trade with a 90-point move. Avoiding impulsive entries is crucial for long-term success.