In this video David explains how to scalp congested markets using the renko optimizer for NinjaTrader and across all three emini index futures in the US futures trading session.
https://youtu.be/PLDnyuw1noA...
When a breakout from congestion occurs the first thing we study is volume as this confirms whether the breakout is genuine or false. In this video we consider the longer term outlook for gold as well as an intraday example on the gold futures contract.
https://youtu.be/qjWykb-P0IU...
Stop loss placement is an art not a science, but when trading a breakout from congestion these levels are often very clearly defined for you. Discover why in this video and learn where to place them using the CME currency futures on NinjaTrader
https://youtu.be/1y-ViuqFmPM...
Sessions crossovers arrive daily and the big one is always when the London forex market gets underway with the deepest liquidity. This is when the market makers are at their most active from 8am UK time with volatility, reversals and congestion following. Some of the traps are on high volume as the market makers participate, others on low volume, but all are clearly signalled with volume price analysis and the volatility indicator for MT4, MT5, NinjaTrader or Tradestation.
https://youtu.be/ddWmqMEWX6Y...
https://youtu.be/xQAKuCc_pYo
It’s All Eyes on the Euro as Markets Await the PMI Data
All eyes are on the euro as markets await PMI data. Purchasing Managers' Index figures drive sentiment. Strong readings boost EUR. Weak ones pressure it lower. Traders prepare for volatility in EUR pairs. Whilst markets continue to be dominated by the pandemic, fundamental data continues with the PMI this morning for both France and Germany of which the latter is the more significant.
Why PMI Data Matters for Euro
PMI reflects the health of manufacturing and services. Above 50 signals expansion. Below indicates contraction. Eurozone data influences ECB policy expectations. Volume price analysis (VPA) spots reactions—high volume on moves confirms conviction.
VPA Insights During the Wait
Pre-release consolidation builds tension. Low volume ranges show caution. Post-data spikes reveal truth. Quantum currency strength indicator ranks EUR early. Matrix shows relational shifts. Trend Monitor aligns direction.
Trading Implications
PMI beats favor EUR longs. Misses support shorts. Wait for volume confirmation. Avoid chasing spikes. Anna Coulling's VPA approach...
https://youtu.be/4DOS5-a7dpk
Watch Out for More Traps on Volatility and the News!
Volatility and news go hand in hand in forex trading. Releases create sharp moves. But they also set traps. False breakouts catch impatient traders. This is common in GBP/USD during European data. Here it's the GBP/USD as European data is released with the PMI data for France and Germany with the volatility indicator for MT5 and NinjaTrader signalling this clearly in all timeframes.
European PMI Data and GBP/USD Volatility
European PMI data for France and Germany drives early action. Strong figures boost risk sentiment. Weak ones favor caution. GBP/USD reacts fast. Volatility spikes at release. But not all moves last.
How Traps Form on News
News spikes often lack volume support. Price breaks levels. Traders chase. But low volume reveals weakness. Reversal follows. Volume price analysis (VPA) spots this—high price on low volume = trap.
Quantum Volatility Indicator Signals
The Quantum volatility indicator on MT5 and NinjaTrader signals clearly. It highlights expansion phases across timeframes. Spikes warn...
Many of the currency market pairs remain rangebound and trading in congestion ranges as risk on and risk off oscillates with the ebb and flow of pandemic news daily, with fundamental data taking a secondary role.
https://youtu.be/0fk3C9KbKOQ...
https://youtu.be/4jPioInlNyg
If you're looking for a volatile currency pair to trade look no further than the GBP/JPY as I take a look at where it might be heading next.
The "dragon" in trading circles (a fun metaphor for powerful, trending market momentum—often fierce and unpredictable like a Chinese dragon) has been coiling and breathing fire lately. But where is it heading next as of January 13, 2026?
Current Market Snapshot
Global equities are mixed but leaning bullish early 2026. S&P 500 and Nasdaq hover near records on AI/tech optimism, but with caution from Fed watch and geopolitical noise. Forex sees USD softening (DXY ~102-103), commodity currencies (AUD, CAD) gaining on risk-on flows, and safe-havens (JPY, CHF) quiet.
The dragon looks headed higher in risk assets short-term—continued equity grind up, USD weakness supporting commodities/gold. But coiled for potential fire-breath downside if inflation data surprises hot or risk-off triggers hit.
Volume Price Analysis (VPA) View
VPA shows sustained buying in indices—rising prices with steady (not climactic) volume = conviction,...
The VIX index is one of the most powerful indicators, revealing as it does, fear and greed in equal measure and based on the balance of call and put options, which makes it a key chart for all index traders.
https://youtu.be/uTHIgtFrx0g...