Ch. 10Strategy #373

Strategy #373

Iceberg Order Trade

Entry Logic

  • Entry is a long position when an iceberg order is detected on the bid side at a key support level.
  • Confirmation is the bid size refreshing after being hit.
  • Timeframe is the tick chart.
  • Location is at a support level.
  • Market is in a range or a slow uptrend.

Exit Logic

  • Profit target is the next resistance level.
  • Scale out 50% at a 2:1 risk-reward ratio.
  • Trail the stop loss below the low of the last 10 ticks.
  • Exit if the iceberg order disappears.
  • Exit on a bearish candle.
  • Exit if the price does not move in your favor within 2 minutes.
  • Exit if volume dries up.

Stop Loss Structure

  • Hard stop is placed 4 ticks below the entry price.
  • Soft stop is when the iceberg order is pulled.
  • Maximum dollar loss is $40 per trade.
  • Maximum percent loss is 0.4% of the account.
  • Structural stop is below the support level.

Risk Management Framework

  • Risk 0.2% of the account per trade.
  • Daily loss limit is 0.8% of the account.
  • Weekly loss limit is 2.4% of the account.
  • Maximum drawdown is 8%.
  • Risk-reward ratio must be at least 1:3.

Position Sizing Model

  • Use a fixed lot size.
  • No volatility adjustment.
  • Same size for all setups.
  • Do not scale in.
  • Scale out as per the exit logic.

Trade Filtering

  • Avoid trading during high-impact news.
  • Only trade at pre-defined support and resistance levels.
  • Trade only highly liquid instruments.
  • Avoid trading in the first minute of the market open.
  • Do not trade in very volatile markets.

Context Framework

  • Trend is sideways or slowly rising.
  • Price is near VWAP.
  • Price is consolidating.
  • Location is at a support level.
  • The higher timeframe chart (5-minute) shows a consolidation.

Trade Management Rules

  • Move stop to breakeven after the first profit target is hit.
  • Scale out at resistance levels.
  • Do not add to the position.
  • Take profits quickly.

Time Rules

  • Optimal trading window is from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM EST.
  • Avoid trading during lunchtime.
  • The strategy is best suited for quiet market conditions.

Setup Classification

  • A+ setup: Large iceberg order at a major support level with immediate bullish reaction.
  • A setup: Moderate iceberg order at a minor support level.
  • B setup: Small iceberg order with a delayed reaction.
  • C setup: No clear iceberg order.

Market Selection Criteria

  • Trade ES, NQ, and ZB futures.
  • High liquidity is essential.
  • Low to moderate volatility is preferred.

Statistical Edge Metrics

  • Expected win rate is 75%.
  • Average win is 1.5R.
  • Average loss is 1R.
  • Profit factor is 1.125.
  • Expectancy per trade is 0.125R.

Failure Conditions

  • The strategy fails in fast-moving, trending markets.
  • Avoid trading when there is a lack of order flow.

Psychological Rules

  • Be decisive and act quickly on the signal.
  • Do not get attached to the trade.

Advanced Components

  • Use a Time and Sales window to detect iceberg orders.
  • Use a filter to measure the size of the iceberg order.
  • Do not trade correlated instruments at the same time.
  • The 5-minute chart should confirm the consolidation.

Location

  • Strongest at well-established support and resistance levels.
  • Weakest in the middle of a range.
  • The location of the iceberg order is a key factor in determining the trade's success.