Frequently Asked Questions
What do you trade?
I primarily trade E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES), but I also have experience trading a variety of other financial products.Where can I find your daily trading plans and analysis?
You can access my daily trading plans for E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES) on Twitter @smashelito and Substack @smashelito. The plans are published prior to the start of the overnight session to make navigation easier for overnight traders and the best part: it’s completely free.What is the purpose of having a daily trading plan?
My daily trading plans include my personal interpretation of the current market structure and key levels that I will be paying attention to in the upcoming session. It's important to note that these levels are based on past market activity and are not meant to predict the future.The primary purpose of having a daily trading plan is to be prepared for the upcoming session. I spend a significant amount of time analyzing the market structure before the start of the trading day, so that I can focus on real-time activity during the session, such as order flow, pace, and volatility. I outline different scenarios because it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen in the market. By being aware of various potential outcomes and having a thorough understanding of market context, you can gain a sustainable edge in the market.
Each of my plans also includes a summary of the previous session, highlighting any important nuances or patterns that may be relevant to carry forward.
I always recommend that traders have a pre-market routine to stay prepared and maintain discipline and consistency. By approaching the market professionally and separating yourself from the majority of traders, you significantly increase your chances of success.
Do you have any plans to offer daily plans for other products?
It is possible that offering daily plans for other products may become relevant in the future. From what I have observed, there seems to be particular interest in the NQ futures contract. At this time, I only provide daily plans for E-mini S&P 500 Futures (ES).What trading software do you use?
I use Sierra Chart trading platform with Denali data feed. Sierra Chart is one of the most powerful trading analysis tools available. If you have questions about Sierra Chart, it is recommended that you consult the technical support resources provided by the company. In most cases, the answers to your questions can be found in their documentation.Are your chartsbooks available for purchase?
Many traders have requested the opportunity to purchase the chartbooks I use in Sierra Chart, and so they are now available for purchase. However, I strongly encourage traders to try creating their own charts. While it can be challenging to learn how to use Sierra Chart at first, the investment of time and effort will ultimately result in long-term benefits for your trading.What tools and indicators do you use?
I use Market and Volume Profile for analyzing market structure, and Depth of Market (Dom), Time and Sales (Tape), and my customized Footprint charts for analyzing order flow and executing trades. The only indicator on my charts is the Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP).Can you explain what those letters stand for in your charts?
The TPO or Market Profile Chart is a visual representation of market activity over a specific period of time, typically 30 minutes per letter. This type of chart does not include volume data, but it does feature a time element, making it a useful tool for analyzing market structure. TPO stands for Time Price Opportunity.Can you explain the concept of Smashlevels?
This is my personal short-term pivot for the upcoming session, which is based on various contextual factors. It is important to note that this is not an automatic buy/sell level, but rather a reference point. Levels alone are not meaningful unless they are confirmed by order flow.It is important to keep in mind that charts do not predict the future. The levels marked on charts are based on past market activity and should be used as reference points only. If you find that you have a strong bias when analyzing charts, it may be because you are spending too much time looking at them and not enough time tracking order flow. The most important thing to consider when making trading decisions is the current activity in the market, as this will indicate whether there is interest in your levels. Order flow analysis allows you to make decisions based on real-time market activity.
Can you explain the concept of Smashmodel Extremes?
The Smashmodel Extremes (SME) are data-driven and not based on references from the chart, unlike the Smashlevels. This concept is a crucial part of my systematic approach to intraday trading, allowing for unbiased, data-driven decisions and minimizing emotional influence.The daily (D1) Smashmodel Extremes represent the range I will be working within for the upcoming session. I exercise caution when initiating trades outside the range to prevent making trades at unfavorable locations. In simpler terms, the extremes keep me from potentially acting impulsively, a state that is detrimental when making trading decisions.
In a bullish market environment, the lower extreme may draw buying interest and extensions beyond the range are more probable to occur on the upside. Conversely, in a bearish market environment, the upper extreme may prompt selling activity and extensions beyond the range are more probable to occur on the downside. In essence, it is advisable to refrain from selling at the lower extreme during a bullish market and avoid buying at the upper extreme during a bearish market.
A potential short-term shift in market tone may occur when prices extend to the downside in a bullish market or to the upside in a bearish market. Orderflow analysis must be used to confirm all levels, as always.
Do you participate in any Discord or Telegram groups?
I only share my insights on Twitter @smashelito and Substack @smashelito. Please be aware that there may be scammers posting suspicious links in the comment section claiming to be me and directing you to various groups. These links are not from me and should be ignored.Do you provide any individual training and mentorship opportunities?
At this time, I am not offering individual mentorship. If you are a subscriber to my Substack, @smashelito, you have been added to the mailing list and will be given priority consideration for coaching opportunities if and when they become available in the future.Why have you not responded to my DM?
Due to a sudden increase in the number of direct messages I have received as my follower count has grown, it has become difficult for me to find time to respond to everyone individually. It is important to note that I am not actively using Twitter during regular trading hours, as anyone serious about trading should be focused on the market. However, I am grateful for all the messages and support I have received. I hope that this FAQ will provide answers to some of your questions.How can I support you and your analysis work?
I appreciate you asking. One way you can support my work is by engaging with it - sharing and liking the content that you find valuable. This helps me reach a wider audience of traders like yourself. I really appreciate the engagement from those who regularly interact with my work. Knowing that my efforts are providing value to you keeps me motivated to continue with this project.Contact Smashelito
For all inquiries, please send an email to smashelito@gmail.com
The Concepts of Smashlevels and Smashmodel Extremes
Smashelito
Contextual Analysis using
Market Generated Information
& Order flow
Chartbooks
Footprint
Market Profile (TPO)
Renko Execution
Volume Profile
Depth of Market (DOM)
Chart Bundle
Contact
Abbreviations
A/D: Advance/Decline
AMT: Auction Market Theory
APBL: Afternoon Pullback Low
ARH: Afternoon Rally high
ATH: All Time High
CHVN: Composite HVN
CLVN: Composite LVN
d1: Daily Time Frame
DOM: Depth of Market
DTPOC: Developing TPOC
DVPOC: Developing VPOC
EOD/M/Y: End of Day/Month/Year
FS: Full Session
HOD: High of the Day
HVN: High Volume Node
HTF: Higher Time Frame
IB: Initial Balance
IBH: Initial Balance High
IBL: Initial Balance Low
IBR: Initial Balance Range
LIS: Line in the Sand
LOD: Low of the Day
LVN: Low Volume Node
M1: Monthly Time Frame
MA: Moving average
MAE: Maximum Adverse Excursion
MFE: Maximum Favorable Excursion
MGI: Market Generated Information
NVPOC: Naked Volume Point of Control
OF: Order flow
ON/ETH: Electronic Trading Hours
ONH: Overnight High
ONL: Overnight Low
OTF: Other Time Frame
OTFU: One Time Framing Up
OTFD: One Time Framing Down
PA: Price action
RTH: Regular Trading Hours
SMASHLEVEL: Smashelito Pivot
SME: Smashmodel Extremes
SOC: Scene of Crime
TAPE: Time and Sales
TPO: Time Price Opportunity
TPOC: Time Point of Control
VA: Value Area
VAH: Value Area High
VAL: Value Area Low
VP: Volume Profile
VPOC: Volume Point of Control
VWAP: Volume Weighted Average Price
W1: Weekly Time Frame
Disclaimer: Futures and options trading involve high risks with the potential for substantial losses. The information contained in this communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a trade recommendation and should not be construed as such. This page contains affiliate links.
