Ch. 6Strategy #218

Strategy #218

V-Bottom Reversal

Entry Logic

  • Enter long on a high-volume breakout above the V-bottom's neckline.
  • Confirmation requires the breakout candle to close in its top 25%.
  • Use a 5-minute timeframe for this pattern.
  • Entry occurs above the 9-period EMA.
  • Strategy is best in volatile, trending markets.

Exit Logic

  • Profit target is a 2:1 risk-reward ratio from the entry.
  • Scale out 33% at 1R, 33% at 2R, and let the rest run.
  • Trail the stop using the 20-period SMA.
  • Exit if price closes below the 9-period EMA.
  • Exit on any bearish reversal candle pattern.
  • Exit if the trade is not profitable within 90 minutes.
  • Exit if the RSI (14) drops below 60.

Stop Loss Structure

  • Place a hard stop below the low of the V-bottom.
  • No soft stop is used for this strategy.
  • Maximum dollar loss is $300 per trade.
  • Maximum percent loss is 0.75% of the account.
  • The structural stop is the absolute low of the pattern.

Risk Management Framework

  • Risk 0.5% of the account per trade.
  • Daily loss limit is 1.5% of the account.
  • Weekly loss limit is 4% of the account.
  • Maximum drawdown is 12%.
  • Minimum risk-reward ratio is 2:1.

Position Sizing Model

  • Use a risk-based position sizing model.
  • No volatility adjustment is needed.
  • Use 2x size for A+ setups with extreme volume.
  • Do not scale into trades.
  • Scale out at 1R and 2R profit targets.

Trade Filtering

  • Avoid trading during FOMC announcements.
  • Requires a sharp V-shape with a clear neckline.
  • Trade only stocks priced between $20 and $100.
  • Avoid trading in the first 5 minutes of the open.
  • Do not trade in low-volatility conditions.

Context Framework

  • The daily chart should show a clear uptrend.
  • Price must be above the VWAP.
  • Price must be above the 200-period SMA on the 1-hour chart.
  • The pattern should form after a sharp sell-off.
  • The weekly chart should indicate a bullish bias.

Trade Management Rules

  • Move the stop to breakeven after the first profit target is hit.
  • Scale out at 1R and 2R.
  • Do not add to winning trades.
  • In fast moves, trail the stop with the 9-period EMA.

Time Rules

  • The optimal trading window is the first hour of the trading day.
  • Avoid trading after 3:00 PM EST.
  • The pattern is most effective during the US session.

Setup Classification

  • A+ setup: Sharp V-bottom, extreme volume, strong trend alignment.
  • A setup: Clear V-bottom, high volume, trend alignment.
  • B setup: Rounded V-bottom, average volume, neutral market.
  • C setup: No clear V-shape, avoid.

Market Selection Criteria

  • Trade high-beta stocks and leveraged ETFs.
  • Minimum daily volume of 10 million shares.
  • Minimum daily range of 3%.

Statistical Edge Metrics

  • Expected win rate is 55%.
  • Average win is 2.5R.
  • Average loss is 1R.
  • Profit factor is 1.375.
  • Expectancy per trade is 0.375R.

Failure Conditions

  • The strategy fails in ranging markets.
  • A failed breakout and retest of the low is a common failure.

Psychological Rules

  • Be prepared for fast-moving trades.
  • Do not chase entries if the initial breakout is missed.

Advanced Components

  • Use a breadth indicator to confirm market-wide reversals.
  • A volatility filter can screen for high-volatility conditions.
  • Avoid trading this pattern on correlated assets.
  • The 4-hour chart must show a bullish engulfing or similar reversal candle.

Location

  • The setup is strongest after a failed breakdown of a key support level.
  • The setup is weakest in the middle of a trading range.
  • The location relative to higher timeframe support is critical.