Scalping the Markets Using Second Charts on the NinjaTrader Platform
Scalping the markets demands speed and precision. Second charts on NinjaTrader deliver this. They group price by seconds (e.g., 15-second or 30-second). This captures rapid moves in high-liquidity sessions. Traders spot short-term momentum quickly.
In this video from the US day trading session we show you how to trade markets in a narrow range using the 15 seconds chart. This is one timeframe which is available on the NinjaTrader platform as well as for Tradestation. It is the perfect time chart to use when markets are trading in a narrow range and would otherwise require you to sit on the sidelines and wait for a trend to develop from the congestion. It’s not for everyone as it involves quick fire trading which is automated with a hard stop loss.
It is where Anna and I started our own trading careers twenty years ago trading FTSE 100 index futures through the LIFFE exchange which is sadly no more! Happy days! Now all electronic but a great way to trade if it suiys your
Why Second Charts Excel for Scalping
Second charts remove time noise better than minute charts. They react instantly to volume surges. Volume price analysis (VPA) shines here—high volume on fast candles shows real participation. Low volume warns of traps. Quantum TickSpeedometer on NinjaTrader reveals tick velocity for even sharper timing.
Practical Scalping Strategies
Focus on US open or London overlap for liquidity. Enter on volume spikes with trend alignment. Use tight stops at recent swings. Combine with Trend Monitor for direction. Anna Coulling’s VPA approach filters noise—trade only confirmed signals.
This method turns volatility into quick profits. Second charts on NinjaTrader with Quantum indicators make scalping disciplined and reliable. Start with demo practice for fast, consistent results.
Scalping with Order Flow
Scalping with order flow is a high-speed strategy. It focuses on real-time buy and sell orders. Traders watch the flow of market participants. This reveals imbalances. Quick profits come from exploiting these short-term edges.
What Is Order Flow in Scalping?
Order flow shows live bids and asks. Tools like footprint charts display volume at price levels. Positive delta (more buying aggression) signals upside. Negative delta shows selling pressure. Combine with volume price analysis (VPA) for confirmation—high volume absorption at levels often precedes reversals.
Key Tools for Order Flow Scalpers
Use platforms like NinjaTrader or Sierra Chart for order flow visuals. Quantum indicators enhance this—TickSpeedometer reveals participation surges. Volume Point of Control (VPOC) highlights key levels. Watch for stacked imbalances or iceberg orders trapping the market.
Practical Scalping Tips
Focus on liquid markets like emini futures or major forex pairs. Enter on delta divergence or absorption. Exit fast—targets 5-10 ticks. Risk tight stops. Avoid news events unless experienced. Anna Coulling’s VPA principles apply—volume confirms order flow signals.
This strategy rewards speed and discipline. Order flow scalping turns micro imbalances into consistent wins. Practice on demo with Quantum tools for mastery. Stay sharp and let flow guide you.
By Anna Coulling