The Perfect Way to Day Trade Stocks, Futures, Currencies Using Non-Time-Based Charts on NinjaTrader
Non-time-based charts offer the perfect way to day trade stocks, futures, and currencies. They remove time noise. Charts build on price movement or ticks instead. This creates cleaner, more accurate signals. Renko and tick charts are favorites on NinjaTrader.
One of the central planks of trading is to use multiple timeframes. But how about using multiple charts for non-time-based charts? Well both are excellent in their own right, so why not combine the two trade using a blend of time and non-time-based charts and this is what we cover in this session! It is the perfect blend to day trade stocks, index futures, currency futures, spot forex or commodities and bonds.
In fact any market and with the Quantum Trading indicator, you have the perfect tools to create such a workspace. First, you have the renko optimizer indicator which delivers the optimal brick size for any market and at any time during the session. Or you can use the Tickspeedometer to deliver the optimal tick chart settings for your three tick charts. And then simply use the associated time based charts to give you that all-important view using volume price analysis.
Why Non-Time-Based Charts Excel
Traditional time charts distort in quiet or volatile periods. Non-time-based charts focus on activity. Renko bricks form only on significant moves. Tick charts group by trades. Volume price analysis (VPA) shines here—volume confirms real participation without time distortion.
Practical Application with Quantum Tools
Use NinjaTrader’s built-in Renko and tick options. Add Quantum’s Renko Optimizer for perfect brick sizing. Trend Monitor keeps you in moves longer. TickSpeedometer reveals momentum surges. Anna Coulling’s VPA methodology applies across stocks (US equities), futures (emini), and currencies (forex pairs).
This method turns choppy markets into clear opportunities. Non-time-based charts on NinjaTrader with Quantum indicators deliver the perfect day trading edge. Start today for cleaner, profitable trades.
How to Use Tick Charts for Scalping Index Futures
Tick charts are a scalper’s best friend in index futures. They form bars based on a fixed number of trades (ticks), not time. This filters noise. It reveals pure momentum. Scalpers in emini futures like /ES (S&P 500) or /NQ (Nasdaq) spot high-probability entries fast.
What Are Tick Charts and Why They Excel for Scalping
Traditional time charts (e.g., 1-minute) add bars every minute—even in quiet periods. This creates false signals. Tick charts adapt. Set 233 or 500 ticks per bar. Busy markets produce more bars. Quiet times fewer. This highlights participation surges—ideal for scalping quick profits.
In index futures, high liquidity means reliable tick data. Scalpers capture small, frequent moves. Tick charts show momentum early—high tick speed signals conviction.
Practical Scalping Strategy with Tick Charts
Use NinjaTrader for best tick chart support:
- Choose Tick Size: 233-tick for momentum, 500-tick for cleaner trends (test on demo).
- Identify Bias: Higher timeframe (5-min or hourly) for direction.
- Entry on Surges: High tick speed on breakout candle—enter with trend. Volume price analysis (VPA) confirms—high volume validates.
- Exit Fast: Target 5-20 ticks. Trail on continued tick speed. Stop beyond recent swing.
- Avoid Traps: Low tick speed on spikes = fading momentum—stay out or reverse.
Example: /ES pullback holds support. Tick chart shows speed surge on rebound—long entry. Quick profit on continuation.
Enhancing with Quantum Tools
Quantum TickSpeedometer on NinjaTrader reveals velocity surges visually. Alerts trigger instantly. Combine with Trend Monitor for alignment. VPA adds confirmation—high volume on tick speed spikes shows real conviction.
Anna Coulling’s VPA methodology with Quantum tools turns tick charts into disciplined scalping. Focus on high-liquidity sessions for best results.
Tick charts transform scalping index futures. They reveal momentum scalpers need. Quantum indicators make it reliable on NinjaTrader. Start today for sharper, consistent trades.
Renko Charts for Scalping: Clean Signals in Volatile Markets
Renko charts are a scalper’s secret weapon. They ignore time. Bricks form only on significant price moves. This filters noise. It reveals pure momentum. Scalpers in forex, futures, or crypto spot high-probability entries fast.
How Renko Charts Work
Set a brick size (e.g., 10 pips in EUR/USD or $1 in /ES Emini). Price must move that amount for a new brick. Up bricks green. Down bricks red. No brick in sideways action. This creates clean trends. Long runs show strong momentum. Reversals appear as color changes.
Why Renko Excels for Scalping
Scalping needs quick, reliable signals. Renko delivers:
- Noise Reduction: Removes chop from low-volume periods.
- Momentum Clarity: Brick runs highlight participation surges.
- Early Reversals: 2-brick reversals signal turns without time distortion.
Volume price analysis (VPA) confirms—high volume on brick formation validates conviction. Low volume bricks warn of traps.
Practical Scalping with Renko
Use NinjaTrader or TradingView for Renko. Quantum Renko Optimizer auto-sizes bricks (ATR-based). This adapts to volatility.
Strategy:
- Trend bias from higher timeframe.
- Scalp pullbacks or breakouts on lower Renko.
- Enter on high volume bricks.
- Tight stops at recent brick lows/highs.
Example: /NQ surges. Renko builds green bricks on volume. Pullback holds—long entry. Quick profit on continuation.
Enhancing with Quantum Tools
Quantum indicators boost Renko scalping. Trend Monitor aligns direction. TickSpeedometer reveals surges. VPA adds volume confirmation. Anna Coulling’s methodology with Quantum tools turns Renko into disciplined scalping.
Renko charts transform scalping. Clean, momentum-focused signals reward fast traders. Quantum on NinjaTrader makes it reliable. Start scalping with Renko for sharper results.
By Anna Coulling
Creator of Volume Price Analysis