Blending Time and Non-Time-Based Charts: A Powerful Trading Approach
Trading charts come in two main types: time-based (e.g., 1-minute, daily) and non-time-based (tick, Renko). Each has strengths. Blending them creates a powerful approach. Time charts provide context. Non-time-based reveal pure momentum. This combination filters noise. It aligns bias with precise entries. Volume price analysis (VPA) confirms conviction across both.
Using a blend of time and non time based charts is a powerful approach to trading forex, and in this video I highlight the renko chart which builds a brick based chart devoid of time, and so reveals momentum which you never see on a time based chart. Yet using the time charts also gives you the insight using volume price analysis, hence the reason it is a powerful combination.
Time-Based Charts: The Big-Picture Foundation
Time charts add bars at fixed intervals. They show overall trend and structure:
- Higher timeframes (daily/weekly) reveal primary direction.
- Support/resistance, phases (accumulation/distribution) clear.
- Ideal for bias—Quantum Trend Monitor aligns long-term momentum.
But quiet periods add noise. False signals in low activity.
Non-Time-Based Charts: Revealing True Momentum
Non-time charts ignore the clock:
- Tick Charts: Bars form on fixed trades (e.g., 500 ticks). High activity = fast bars—momentum surges visible.
- Renko Charts: Bricks on price moves (e.g., 10 pips). No bricks in ranges—clean trends.
These filter chop. Momentum appears pure. Quantum TickSpeedometer measures velocity. Renko Optimizer sizes bricks dynamically.
How to Blend Them for Power
Use higher time-based for bias. Lower non-time-based for timing:
- Daily Time Chart: Trend up on high volume—bullish bias.
- Tick or Renko Lower: Pullback on low activity—no real selling. Surge on high ticks/volume—entry.
- Confirmation: VPA across both—high volume continuation validates hold.
Quantum tools integrate seamlessly. Trend Monitor aligns frames. VPOC from time chart marks levels on non-time.
Practical Trading Example
EUR/USD daily uptrend. Volume support holds. Bias bullish.
Switch to tick chart. Pullback on low ticks—weak selling. High tick speed + high volume rebound—long entry. Trend resumes.
Renko version: No bricks in pullback. Green brick run on volume—confirmation.
Benefits of the Blend
This approach reduces whipsaws. Higher frames prevent counter-trend fights. Non-time reveal real momentum. VPA adds conviction—high volume on aligned moves = strong trade.
Anna Coulling’s VPA methodology with Quantum tools turns blended charts into disciplined edge. Quantum on NinjaTrader makes multi-chart setups reliable.
Blend time and non-time-based charts for powerful trading. Higher for bias. Lower for momentum. Quantum with VPA delivers clarity and conviction.
Tools and Indicators to Help You Stay in a Trend
Staying in a trend is one of the hardest parts of trading. Pullbacks trigger fear. Traders exit too early. They miss the full move. The right tools keep you aligned. They confirm conviction. This lets winners run. Volume Price Analysis (VPA) is the foundation. Quantum Trading indicators enhance it. Here’s how they help you stay in trends longer.
Volume Price Analysis (VPA): The Core for Trend Continuation
VPA reads volume to validate trends. High volume on continuation candles shows professional conviction—buyers or sellers dominating. Low volume pullbacks signal weakness in opposition—healthy correction.
Stay in the trend when:
- Rising prices with increasing volume = sustained buying.
- Pullbacks on low volume = weak selling—add or hold.
VPA prevents premature exits. Divergence warns of fading—exit then.
Quantum Trend Monitor: Your Alignment Guide
The Quantum Trend Monitor is designed to keep you in trends. It displays direction clearly:
- Green = uptrend conviction.
- Red = downtrend conviction.
- Neutral = ranging.
Hold positions while Monitor stays aligned. Trail stops on continuation. Flip to neutral/red = caution or exit.
This visual tool reduces emotion. It confirms VPA—high volume in Monitor direction = strong hold.
Other Quantum Tools for Trend Staying Power
- Accumulation/Distribution Indicator: Spots building phases. Positive in uptrends = stay long. Negative shift = prepare exit.
- Currency Array (for Forex): Steep lines show momentum. Sustained steepness = trend conviction.
These work on MT5 or NinjaTrader. Combine for confluence.
Practical Tips to Stay in Trends
- Higher timeframe for bias (daily Trend Monitor green = bullish).
- Lower for entries (pullback on low volume).
- Trail stops on high volume continuation.
- Ignore low-volume noise—patience wins.
Anna Coulling’s VPA methodology with Quantum tools turns trend trading into disciplined art. Stay aligned—let winners run.
The Trend Monitor and VPA are your best allies for staying in trends. Quantum indicators make conviction visual and reliable. Trade with the flow—hold longer for bigger rewards.
Volume-Based Trailing Stops: Protecting Profits with VPA Conviction
Trailing stops are essential for letting winners run while protecting gains. Traditional methods use fixed pips, percentages, or moving averages. But volume-based trailing stops add a powerful edge. They trail based on volume price analysis (VPA) levels. This aligns exits with market conviction. High volume areas show professional interest—stronger support for trailing.
Why Volume-Based Trailing Stops Excel
Markets respect volume clusters. High volume at levels = real buying/selling pressure. Price often bounces or holds there. Trailing to these dynamic zones gives trends room to breathe. Avoid premature exits on low-volume pullbacks.
VPA reveals conviction:
- High volume continuation = trail loosely.
- Low volume extremes = tighten or exit.
Quantum indicators on NinjaTrader or MT5 enhance this—VPOC marks key volume levels for trailing.
How to Set Volume-Based Trailing Stops
Use these VPA principles:
- Trail to VPOC: Move stop to Volume Point of Control from recent swing. High volume here = strong level.
- High Volume Swing Lows/Highs: Trail below recent low (longs) or above high (shorts) with volume support.
- Accumulation/Distribution Phases: Positive ACD in uptrend—trail on pullbacks. Shift negative = tighten.
- Dynamic Adjustment: High volume candle in direction—loosen trail. Low volume = protect gains.
Quantum Trend Monitor aligns—green/red confirms trend for trailing.
Practical Examples
- Long Trend Trade: EUR/USD rallies on high volume. Pullback to VPOC on low volume—trail stop below VPOC. Continuation on high volume—move stop to new swing low.
- Short Trade: GBP/USD downtrend. Rally to resistance on low volume—trail stop above. High volume breakdown—loosen trail.
Benefits for Traders
Volume-based trailing reduces emotional exits. Let trends run on conviction. Protect on weakness. Quantum tools visualize levels—VPOC and Accumulation/Distribution guide precisely.
Anna Coulling’s VPA methodology with Quantum indicators turns trailing into disciplined art. Volume reveals where to protect profits.
Trade smarter with volume-based trailing stops. Quantum delivers reliable levels. Let winners run with conviction.
By Anna Coulling