Using Time and Tick Charts to Trade Emini Futures on NinjaTrader
Time and tick charts offer a powerful combination for trading emini futures on NinjaTrader. Time charts show fixed intervals. Tick charts group by trades. This removes time noise in volatile markets.
Another US session with range bound price action as US indices continue to remain fragile. But in such markets moving to the fast charts pays dividends and the opportunities are there. In this session we have the YM emini on the time based charts and the ES emini on the tick charts, and watch out for some more great volume price analysis lesson. And if you want to learn more about China, check out the book recommendation.
Benefits of Blending Both Charts
Blend time and tick charts for clearer signals. Use higher time charts for trend direction. Switch to tick charts for precise entries. Volume price analysis (VPA) confirms momentum—high tick speed with volume shows participation.
Practical Application with Quantum Tools
Quantum indicators enhance this on NinjaTrader. The TickSpeedometer reveals surges in activity. Trend Monitor aligns multi-chart views. Anna Coulling’s approach uses these for disciplined emini trading, spotting reversals or continuations early.
This method turns fast emini moves into consistent opportunities. Combine time and tick charts with Quantum tools for an edge.
What Are Tick Charts and Their Advantages for Scalping Traders
Tick charts are a non-time-based charting method. They form bars based on a fixed number of trades (ticks), not time intervals. For example, a 500-tick chart creates a new bar every 500 trades. This focuses on market activity. It ignores quiet periods. Traders see pure price movement.
How Tick Charts Differ from Time Charts
Time charts (e.g., 1-minute) add bars every minute, even in low activity. This creates noise—false signals in ranging markets. Tick charts adapt. Busy periods produce more bars. Quiet times fewer. This reveals true momentum. High tick speed shows strong participation. Low speed signals fading interest.
Advantages for Scalping Traders
Scalping aims for quick, small profits. Tick charts excel here:
- Reveal Momentum Early: Surges in ticks highlight buying or selling pressure. High tick volume on up bars shows conviction—ideal for fast entries.
- Filter Noise: Remove time-based distortion. Avoid whipsaws in choppy markets.
- Better in Volatile Sessions: London/NY overlap—liquidity spikes create clear tick momentum.
- VPA Integration: Volume price analysis (VPA) shines. High volume with tick surges confirms strength. Low volume warns of traps.
Quantum TickSpeedometer on NinjaTrader enhances this. It measures tick velocity live. Alerts trigger on surges for instant scalping signals.
Practical Scalping Tips with Tick Charts
Choose tick size by asset (e.g., 233 or 500 for emini futures). Focus on high-liquidity (majors or indices). Enter on volume-confirmed tick surges. Trail stops on continued momentum. Anna Coulling’s VPA approach with Quantum tools turns tick charts into disciplined scalping.
Tick charts reveal momentum scalpers need. They turn activity into clear signals. Quantum indicators make them reliable on NinjaTrader. Start scalping with tick charts for sharper, faster trades.
By Anna Coulling