Regime Awareness

Signals: Range-bound sessions, profile developing a D or B shape (fat middle), POC near the centre, VIX relatively low, no major catalysts.

Behaviour: POC magnet effect is strong. Price samples edges and returns to the middle. Rotation probability is elevated.

Your approach: Fade VA edges toward POC. Buy VAL, sell VAH. Expect POC to act as the gravitational centre of the session. Reduce size — range days produce tight P&L swings.

Signals: Profile stretching in one direction, new value building at new prices, POC migrating with the move, strong volume on initiative bars.

Behaviour: Fading edges without strong evidence is a fast path to frustration. The market is accepting new prices — the POC magnet is weak.

Your approach: Let the market prove a failed attempt (nPOC rejection or stalled drive) before fading. Otherwise ride traverses in the direction of the trend. Avoid the rotation playbook until the drive slows.

Signals: FOMC, CPI, NFP, earnings, or any event that changes the informational backdrop. Wide candles, fast moves, and abnormal volume in the first 30 minutes.

Behaviour: Volume will often build a new area of acceptance only after the first impulse — not during it. Early structure is unreliable.

Your approach: Treat early structure as provisional. Wait for the impulse to complete and a new acceptance zone to begin building before trading the profile. Reduce size proportionally.