Timeframes

Use multi‑timeframe analysis: HTF defines bias and levels; MTF refines zones; LTF gives triggers with defined risk.

Mapping

• Scalping: HTF H1, MTF M15, LTF M1–M5
• Day: HTF H4/D1, MTF H1, LTF M5–M15
• Swing: HTF D1/W1, MTF H4, LTF H1

Real Example: Multi-Timeframe EURUSD Trade

Date: March 15, 2024; Style: Day Trading

Step 1: HTF Analysis (D1)

• Trend: Strong uptrend since February
• Key levels: Support at 1.0850 (prior swing low), Resistance at 1.0950
• Bias: BULLISH — only look for long entries
• Entry zone: 1.0850–1.0870 (support area)

Step 2: MTF Analysis (H1)

• Structure: Price retracing to 1.0860 area
• Indicators: RSI at 42 (approaching oversold in uptrend), 20‑EMA at 1.0865
• Zone: 1.0860–1.0870 is confluence (D1 support + H1 EMA)
• Wait for: Bullish candle reversal or break above minor resistance at 1.0875

Step 3: LTF Entry (M15)

• Price reaches 1.0862
• Forms bullish engulfing candle at 09:15 GMT
• RSI on M15: 38 (oversold bounce forming)
• Entry trigger: Long at 1.0865 (break of engulfing candle high)
• Stop: 1.0850 (below D1 support, 15 pips risk)
• Target 1: 1.0895 (prior H1 swing high, 30 pips = 2R)
• Target 2: 1.0920 (D1 resistance area, 55 pips = 3.67R)

Trade Execution & Result

• Size: Account $20,000, risk 1% = $200. Pip value $10/lot. Size = 200 ÷ (15 × 10) = 1.33 lots (round to 1.3)
• Entry: 1.0865
• Price action: Rises steadily, hits T1 at 1.0895 → Close 50% (+$390)
• Management: Move stop to 1.0875 (breakeven + 10 pips)
• Final: T2 hit at 1.0920 → Close 50% (+$715)
• Total profit: +$1,105 (5.53R)
• Time in trade: 4 hours 20 minutes

Timeframe Selection Guide

Style	HTF	MTF	LTF	Avg Trade Duration
Scalping	H1	M15	M1–M5	5–30 min
Day Trading	H4/D1	H1	M5–M15	1–6 hours
Swing	D1/W1	H4	H1	2–10 days

Common Mistakes

• Trading LTF against HTF: Scalping shorts on M5 when D1 is clearly bullish → Low win rate
• Solution: Always check HTF first; only trade in HTF direction
• Entering on HTF without LTF confirmation: Buying D1 support immediately without waiting for M15/M5 reversal
• Solution: HTF shows where, LTF shows when