Most Popular Trading Strategies: Our Picks for the Top 9 to Try
Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate the seemingly endless array of the most popular trading strategies out there?
As a fellow trader myself, Iโve been in your shoes before.
There are so many different approaches from day trading to swing trading claiming to be the โbest trading strategyโ โ itโs tough to cut through the noise and figure out what will actually work in the real world.
But hereโs the good news โ after nearly a decade of active trading and avid research, Iโve identified the creme de la creme. These are the absolute most popular and time-tested trading strategies that have stood the test of time.
Strategies that real traders actually use day in and day out to put the odds in their favor.
In this comprehensive guide, Iโll be sharing my top 9 picks for the most popular trading strategies that you need to know.
Iโll explain:
- What makes each strategy unique,
- How professionals utilize them,
- The pros and cons of each trading strategy
- And tips to implement them yourself.
With the right trading strategy, you can transform your results and consistently profit in the markets, but choosing the wrong strategy can sink your chances before you even get started. By the end of this guide, youโll have a firm grasp of the 9 most popular strategies so you can trade with absolute confidence and potential.
So buckle up!
Youโre about to discover prized trading knowledge that can skyrocket your performance, win-rate, and sanity as a trader. Letโs dive right into the most popular trading strategies so you can start executing on these proven winners right away.
Introduction: Most Popular Trading Strategies
Why Popular Trading Strategies Matter
With countless trading systems and strategies to choose from, why should traders focus on the most popular and widely-followed trading approaches? There are a few key reasons:
- Proven effectiveness โ Strategies become popular because they have shown consistent profitability over time and across various market conditions. Time-tested strategies withstand the test of time.
- More resources โ Popular trading systems have more educational resources, tools, and mentors available to learn from so you can more easily find guides, videos and communities for established strategies.
- Better testing โ Mass adoption allows more exhaustive backtesting, and when a strategy is battle-tested by thousands of traders, you know it is vetted.
- Market influence โ The actions of traders collectively following a popular system can influence price action because their collective moves impact support and resistance levels and momentum.
While no trading strategy always works perfectly, scrutinizing proven popular systems is wise when evaluating strategies for Forex trading or any market.ย
Choosing the Right Strategy for You
With endless strategic options, traders face analysis paralysis when selecting their system. How to pick the right approach? Rather than overwhelming yourself with every strategy under the sun, take it step-by-step:
Look Inward First
Start with self-assessment. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a trader?
What technical and analytical skills come naturally?
What mental and emotional traits do you possess?
Know thyself first.
Consider Lifestyle Factors
Your strategy must align with your lifestyle and commitments outside of trading.
Are you an active day trader or passive position trader?
What time requirements fit your schedule?
Look at lifestyle compatibility.
Identify Required Resources
Examine the people, tools, data required to properly implement the trading strategy. If the resources donโt fit your budget and access, itโs not the right choice for you.
Personality and Temperament
The strategy must fit the trader:
- An anxious trader wonโt thrive with a high-risk breakout strategy.
- An impatient trader will hate a long-term investing strategy.
So align strategy to personality.
By taking this multi-angled approach, you can find your trading strategy soulmate. Donโt ignore your unique circumstances and attributes because the right fit is out there.
Most Popular Trading Strategies Explained
Strategy #1: Golden Glitch
The Golden Glitch is a powerful new trading strategy focused solely on Gold created by 15+ year trading veteran John Meli to help traders profit from Goldโs frequent and massive price swings.
This strategy has become one of the most popular trading strategies with traders of all experience levels because of its simplicity and profit potential.ย Golden Glitch utilizes many chart patterns, such as the megaphone pattern, to trigger trades.
Hereโs why so many traders are flocking to learn the Golden Glitch.
Specifically Designed for Gold
The Golden Glitch strategy was created just for Gold trading taking advantage of Goldโs unique price action patterns.
Gold tends to make huge 50+ pip moves multiple times per day unlike other assets which is why this trading strategy is optimized to catch these major swings.
Beginner Friendly
You donโt need any prior experience with a Gold trading strategy or using complex indicators because the strategy relies on an easy to spot pattern that forms on the 15 minute chart.
Once you can recognize the pattern, you simply wait for buy/sell alerts and place the trades.
Gives Clear Entry and Exit Points
A common mistake traders make is not having defined trade plans but the Golden Glitch gives clear entry and exit rules.
Youโll know exactly when to enter based on pattern breakouts and when to take profits based on targets which helps avoid costly errors.
Time-Tested and Proven
John didnโt just create the strategy overnight. He backtested it for years and traded it with real money extensively before releasing it.
Actual trading results going back to 2020 prove the Golden Glitch works consistently when traded properly. Traders are attracted by these verifiable results.
Frequent Trading Opportunities
The Golden Glitch pattern happens multiple times per day on average, sometimes up to 4 times daily which creates an abundance of trading opportunities.
More trades mean more chances to profit. Traders are able to steadily grow accounts without waiting around.ย
Strategy #2: Tipping Point Indicator (TPI)
The Tipping Point Indicator, or TPI is not your average off-the-shelf proprietary indicator โ it was custom built by TSGโs team of expert traders to identify high-probability reversals.
The basis of this unique indicator is building upper and lower bands representing overbought and oversold zones. When price crosses into these exhaustion zones, the Tipping Point anticipates a potential trend reversal, but it takes it a step further by looking for confirmation before triggering any trades.ย
This confirmation approach is key because it helps avoid false breakouts and whipsaws that trip up other oscillators. TSG traders spent countless hours perfecting the Tipping Pointโs ability to distinguish real reversals from head fakes.ย
So you get a customized tool designed to boost your trading accuracy and confidence.ย
If you want to trade like the pros, you need pro-level tools.
Entry Rules:
- Price enters overbought/oversold zone and indicator bands change color.
- Indicator looks for price pattern confirmation of trend reversal.
- On reversal confirmation, indicator provides entry signal with stop loss and take profit levels.
- Long trades triggered on bullish confirmation when indicator oversold. Short trades triggered on bearish confirmation when overbought.
- Manage risk with stop loss below/above recent swing points. Take profit targets based on setup parameters.
Pros:
- Bands help visually identify exhaustion/reversal zones
- Looks for confirmation before triggering entries
- Provides entry, stop loss and take profit levels
Cons:
- Needs time to learn to read the indicatorโs color schematics
- Requires expertise in spotting price reversals
- Stop loss required to manage risk
The Tipping Point indicator provides a structured rules-based approach to trading oscillators. By combining overbought/oversold signals with price action confirmation, it aims to identify high probability exhaustion points.ย
Strategy #3: MACD Course
Wanna ride trends like a boss? Then you gotta check out the MACD trading strategy that uses momentum oscillators to help spot new trends and reversals. Let me break down how to trade it.
Here are the 4 key steps:
- Draw lines connecting MACD highs/lows to mark the trend.
- Go long on a MACD breakout above the downtrend line.
- Set stops under recent swing lows to limit losses.
- Book profits at MACD crossovers in the opposite direction.
The deal with this MACD system is that you need to see how we draw the MACD trendline and our MACD course will teach you just that and give you more insights into how to avoid fakes and much more.ย
Hereโs the lowdown:ย
Pros:
- Captures new trends early with an unorthodox way of using the MACD indicator.
- Clear entry and exit rules.
- Works on all timeframes allowing you to capture both intraday trend and long-term trends.ย
Cons:
- Drawing the trendline requires practice.
- Subjectivity in signal interpretation: Different traders may interpret MACD signals differently, which is why you need our core trading rules.
- Need to learn how to spot true swing highs/lows from fake ones.
The bottom line is the MACD packs a momentum punch if used properly by combining it with price action, you can catch some massive trends. You just need the discipline to wait for high-probability setups.ย
Strategy #4: Strike
The Strike Trader Elite strategy has been extensively backtested and proven profitable over many years. Traders get access to a private Telegram group where signals are posted based on the strategyโs analysis and the signals include the followings:
- symbol,
- timeframe,
- entry price,
- stop loss
- and take profit levels.
Users also receive a chart image with each signal for quick visual validation before taking trades. The system aims to achieve a high win rate through selective entries.ย
Crypto alerts on major pairs like Bitcoin are now also provided.ย
The Strike Trader Elite service normally costs $997 per year, but is currently available for a one-time payment of $497 lifetime access. The package includes training videos explaining how the strategy works, a trading tips guide, rapid support, and unlimited future upgrades.ย
The creator guarantees traders will see profits, or they will provide personalized coaching until the user achieves consistency. Refunds are also offered after trading and documenting 30 trades.ย
The Strike system is designed for anyone wanting an easy-to-follow system that generates consistent returns without spending all day in front of charts.
Strategy #5: Bollinger Bands Bounce Trading Strategy
The Bollinger Bands bounce trading strategy utilizes the Bollinger Bands indicator to identify potential reversals when price hits the upper or lower band. This strategy can provide trading opportunities in both uptrends and downtrends.
Overview: The basis of this strategy is waiting for price to hit one of the bands, signaling that it may be overextended and ready for a counter-trend bounce. By combining Bollinger Bands with an oscillator like RSI, traders can confirm excessive weakness or strength to time entries.
Here are the steps for trading bounce signals with this strategy:
- Identify the Trend: First, determine the overall trend by looking at the slope and relationship of the moving average line and upper/lower bands. An uptrend will have the bands angling up and moving average rising.
- Wait for Pullback: When in an uptrend, wait for the price to pullback and hit the lower band. This signals the price may be oversold and ready to bounce back up.
- Check Momentum: Confirm buying pressure and upward momentum with an oscillator like RSI. Make sure RSI is curving back up from oversold levels as price hits lower band.
- Enter Long: Enter long position when a bullish candle closes back above the moving average line. Use stop below recent swing low for risk management.
- Target Band Exit: Take profits near the upper band as price bounces back into the main trend as the upper band serves as logical profit target.
Repeat process in reverse by looking for price to hit upper band in a downtrend and selling bounce. Always account for overall market conditions.
Pros:
- Can trade rebounds in both uptrends and downtrends
- Bands can assist with trade entry and exit points
- Oscillator helps confirm bounce signals
Cons:
- Potential for false breakout signals
- Requires trend identification skills
- Stop loss required to manage risk
By combining the bands with RSI for confirmation, traders can look to enter countertrend retracements and profit from the inevitable rebounds. As with any trading strategy, sound risk management through stop losses is essential.ย
Strategy #6: RSI Trading Strategy
The 80-20 RSI trading strategy provides a systematic approach to trading reversals in the trend using the Relative Strength Index (RSI) oscillator. The 80-20 RSI strategy provides a structured approach to trading RSI reversals. By combining oscillator signals with price action confirmation, it aims to identify high probability trend exhaustions.
Hereโs an overview of how to implement the 80-20 RSI strategy:
- Identify the high or low of the last 50 candles on the chart.
- Wait for the RSI reading to hit 20 (for uptrend) or 80 (for downtrend).
- Enter a trade when the price makes a higher low or lower high compared to the initial extreme.
- Use proper stop loss and take profit levels.
Pros:
- Combines oscillator signals with price action context for high-probability entries
- Can trade mean reversion in both uptrends and downtrends
- Defined entries, stops and profit targets across any time frame and market
Cons:
- Potential for false breakout signals which is why is recommended to use multiple technical factors
- Requires expertise in reading price action โ but practice makes perfect.
- Requires crazy discipline so donโt jump the gun!
Overall, the 80-20 RSI method can take your trading to the next level if you master its rules. Just use stops, confirm entries, and bada-bing-bada-boom youโll be laughing all the way to the bank!
Strategy #7: Ichimoku Cloud Strategy
Want to spot trends like a pro and trade with the market momentum?
Then you gotta check out the Ichimoku cloud trading course. This Japanese trading strategy has stood the test of time. Let me walk you through how it works.
Here are the key steps to trading with Ichimoku:
- Wait for price to break and close above/below the cloud. This signals a shift in sentiment.
- Confirm with a Tenkan/Kijun crossover in the direction of the breakout for extra confirmation!
- Enter a trade in the breakout direction on the next candle open and set protective stop lossย under swing highs/lows.
- Ride the trend and book profits at opposing crosses or cloud breaks. Cha-ching!
Pros:
- Cloud breakouts detect high probability momentum shifts
- Crossovers prevent ill-timed entries before reversals
- Trailing stops lock in profits and limit losses
Cons:
- Needs practice interpreting 5 separate lines
- Waiting for ideal entries requires patience
- Works best paired with other confluence factors
Overall, Ichimoku indicator delivers high-probability trades if you master its unique construction. Itโs worth putting in the time to learn this versatile trading tool because if you stick to the system rules youโll be cruising along nicely!
So if youโre stoked to tackle the waves with this leading indicator learn its rules and start padding up!
Strategy #8: Quasimodo Trading Strategy
The Quasimodo pattern aims to catch trend reversals early by trading a chart pattern that is hidden to most Forex traders. This unique chart formation appears like a crooked head and shoulders at swing highs/lows. Let me walk you through how to trade it.
Here are the key steps:
- Identify an existing trend and look for a break in structure.
- Enter near the 2nd valley/peak once the chart pattern forms and use Fibonacci levels to fine-tune entries.
- Place stops beyond the last swing point in the trendโs direction.
- Book profits near the 1st valley/peak.
Pros:
- Youโre trading a unique candlestick pattern that not many traders know.
- Works very well around key support and resistance levels.
- Big profit potential if a new trend emerges.
Cons:
- If the Quasimodo Trading Strategy is not widely recognized or standardized, traders may find it challenging to collaborate or discuss its merits with peers or within the broader trading community.
- Lots of discretion in pattern validation.
- Easy to overoptimize parameters.
- It doesnโt occur that often
Overall, the Quasimodo pattern provides a unique way to trade trend reversals but you need to keep an eye on that V-shaped price structure for high-probability trading setups.
Strategy #9: Day Trading Cryptocurrency Strategy
Want to surf the crypto waves and catch some sweet day trading profits?
Then grab your board because Iโm going to share a day trading cryptocurrency strategy that will help you ride the intraday waves in any coin.
Here are the 5 steps to this simple crypto scalping system:
- Pick cryptocurrencies with crazy volatility and high liquidity like Bitcoin or Ethereum. While we want action, we also reduce risk by focusing only on the top 10 cryptocurrencies.
- Add the Money Flow Index indicator on a 5 minute chart. The MFI is our smart money tracker but make sure to set the settings at 3 periods.
- Wait for the MFI to hit 100 as this indicates the whales are buying!
- Enter on the third consecutive reading above 100 when the next candle closes bullish.
- Set stops under the daily low to limit losses. Book profits within an hour and ride that wave!
Pros:
- This day trading strategy captures short-term swings
- Clear entry and exit rules with no guessing game
- Minimal indicators needed, with just the Money Flow Index on a 5-minute chart and a few specific settings, youโre good to go.
Cons:
- Stops Below Daily Low Limitation: While setting stops below the daily low can limit losses, it might also lead to premature exits if the cryptocurrency experiences short-term price fluctuations.
- Focusing exclusively on the top 10 cryptocurrencies might restrict the range of potential opportunities.
- Whalesโ intentions can be complex and may not always be accurately reflected in the MFI.
The bottom line is that crypto day trading can be rewarding if you catch volatility just right, but remember to stick to the rules and watch those crypto profits roll in.
Final Words: Most Popular Trading Strategies
And there you have it folks โ the cream of the crop when it comes to the most popular trading strategies to try. From riding trends with Ichimoku to catching reversals with the 80-20 RSI method, these time-tested trading systems can provide structure to your trading while still allowing room for your own personal flair.ย
Of course, no single trading strategy will be a perfect fit for every trader. You still need to match the trading approach to your own personality, resources, and goals, but by focusing your efforts on proven winners that have stood the test of time, you stack the odds for success in your favor.ย
The key is sticking to the core rules of any system you choose while practicing solid risk management.