While retail traders make up part of the markets, the biggest moves are often driven by institutions. Pension funds, hedge funds, asset managers, insurers and investment funds control billions of dollars and can hold positions that are larger than the daily trading volume of some companies.
Read MoreMost people think markets move because of value. A company looks cheap, buyers rush in. A company looks expensive, sellers take profits. Simple. Except that’s not how markets actually behave day to day.
If valuation alone controlled markets, “cheap” shares would immediately bounce, “expensive” shares would immediately fall, and traders everywhere would make easy money. But we all know that’s not reality.
Sometimes a stock looks ridiculously cheap and keeps collapsing. Sometimes a stock looks wildly overpriced and keeps flying higher.
Why?
Because in the short term, markets are not driven by value. They are driven by liquidity.
Over the last two weeks, we unpacked two of the most common market regimes: trending markets and consolidating markets. One moves with direction and conviction, the other chops sideways while traders wait for the next big move. But there is another important piece of the puzzle that sits between the two and often drives the transition from one phase to the next: momentum.
Read MoreLast week, we looked at how to identify a trending market. But markets do not trend forever. In fact, some of the most frustrating trading environments occur when prices stop moving decisively in either direction and begin moving sideways instead. These periods are known as range bound or consolidating markets. Instead of producing clean momentum, markets become trapped between support and resistance levels, often creating sharp reversals and false moves that catch traders off guard.
Read MoreMarkets don’t move in straight lines forever, but when a strong trend develops, it can feel incredibly obvious in hindsight. The problem is that most traders only recognise the trend after the biggest move has already happened.
Read More
Get the latest trading and investing recommendations straight to your inbox!
Privacy: We never share your email address You can unsubscribe at any time