– ICT reviews end-of-week price action and emphasizes a trading concept he calls “immediate rebalance” — a price delivery behavior (PD Array) he codified — which recently hit his target precisely on the dollar index and signaled directional moves. – Dollar strength (immediate rebalance) translated into clear selling opportunities in dollar-quoted FX pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, etc.); EUR/USD and GBP/USD behaved largely as he expected. – Technical themes he repeatedly uses: fair value gaps, consequent encroachment (50% midpoint of wicks), rejection blocks, discount/ premium wicks, order blocks, volume imbalances, and gradient levels (quadrants/octants). These guide entries, targets and invalidation. – Commodities: crude needs a close above the wick midpoint to confirm a run higher; gold remains range-bound with possible lower pullback; silver he expects could be manipulated lower (cites historical precedent) and may fall quickly if key levels break. – Equity futures (micro E-Mini S&P and micro Nasdaq): he anticipates a weak Sunday open (gap down) and continuation lower toward prior lows; recommends using micro contracts and paper/demo trading given current volatility. – Trade example: he discussed a micro trade where market structure, fair value gaps and discount wicks informed entry/stop management; TradingView paper-trading glitches limited his ability to modify stops. – Practical advice and risk notes: use demo/micro to practice, don’t rush to trade live, be cautious over the weekend due to geopolitical risk, and allow trades room to breathe in volatile markets. – Mentorship/philosophy: he positions himself as a price-action teacher who shares concepts freely, defends his methodology against critics, stresses discipline and study, and encourages community learning rather than drama.
– Core lesson: apply PD (premium/discount) arrays as a primary framework — order block → fair value gap → breakaway/measuring gaps — and treat suspension blocks like other inefficiencies (use upper half if bullish, lower if bearish).
– Nesting matters: when multiple PD elements (e.g., opening-range gap, new-week/day gaps, event horizons, order blocks) overlap, the area gains momentum/validity and often produces strong moves.
– Priorities for levels: give priority to regular trading-hours opening-range gaps (they’re freshest). Use event horizons between any inefficiencies (including new-week/new-day gaps).\n- Timeframes & fractals: concepts are fractal. If order blocks are getting run through on a low timeframe, consider the same structure on a higher timeframe. Use quarters → eighths (and smaller subdivisions) to better visualize continuous order flow.
Entries/exits: – Rejection blocks can be used for turtle-soup style entries (buy-stop above the opening price if the candlestick was breached).
– Fair value gaps on low timeframes are permissible to trade; stop placement should follow the specific PD rules (e.g., wick/high + tick).
Volatility & risk management (repeated emphasis): – Current global events have raised volatility (gold/silver/crude especially). Avoid trading high-volatility markets with real capital unless experienced and well-capitalized. – Use micro contracts, significantly lower leverage, and wider stops in this environment. If you take a loss for the day, stop trading — paper/demo trade instead. – Consider tools that lock you out after daily loss to enforce discipline. – Practical trading habits: tape-read and use the additional intra-quadrant lines for visual continuous order-flow reading; journal trades (Discord recommended).
– Teaching/learning guidance: – Michael is sharing much material free; for a structured path, students recommended to prioritize 2022 mentorship / Core Content (especially months 4, 8 and 12): month 4 (PD arrays/order block theory), month 8 (when/not to trade, intraday protraction), month 12 (fractal application across OW/D/W/M). – For newcomers confused by newer content, stick to the 2022/core-content playlist first, then layer newer material.
-Community notes: wide range of students (ages, professions, countries); emphasis on humility, entrepreneurship, and steady skill-building rather than chasing big, risky leverage.
Overall tone: practical, risk-averse coaching focused on mastering PD-array order-flow concepts, using proper risk sizing (one-micro mindset), and studying core materials in sequence.
Questions (test your knowledge)
1) According to ICT, how should you treat a “suspension block” when using it on a chart? A. As a unique structure unrelated to other inefficiencies B. Like any other inefficiency (e.g., fair value gap or order block) — use the upper half if bullish and lower half if bearish C. Only as an entry signal for long trades D. Only as a stop-loss location for short trades
2) ICT explains adding smaller levels (quarters, eighths, etc.) between larger quadrant lines primarily to: A. Make charts look more professional B. Force you to count candlestick buyers and sellers manually C. Give a closer, more detailed read of continuous order flow (visual representation of ongoing buying and selling) D. Replace the need to watch higher timeframe structure
3) What does ICT say about “nesting” PD arrays (multiple PD structures overlapping in the same area)? A. Nesting makes the area irrelevant for trading B. Nesting decreases the predictive value of the levels C. Nesting significantly increases the strength/validity of the idea and you should anticipate strong movement/fireworks when price gets into that area D. Nesting indicates the market will always return to that zone repeatedly
4) Regarding trading volatile instruments like gold, silver, and crude oil during elevated geopolitical volatility, ICT’s guidance is to: A. Increase leverage and trade more contracts to chase big moves B. Avoid deploying real capital — paper/demo‑trade or tape‑read instead; keep risk very small if you do touch them C. Only trade those markets at night D. Ignore volatility and use the same entries/stops as normal
5) After taking a loss (especially in the current elevated volatility environment), ICT recommends: A. Immediately try to make the money back with larger size B. Double your position and re-enter the same trade idea C. Roll back leverage, trade one micro contract, stop for the day after a loss and spend time tape‑reading / practicing discipline D. Quit trading forever
Answer key 1 — B 2 — C 3 — C 4 — B 5 — C Evidence from the transcript (quotes + timestamps)
1) Suspension block treated like other inefficiencies: – ICT: “suspension block. And it’s basically treated the same way as any old inefficiency, like a Sibi or a bisi. If it’s bullish, okay, you’re gonna use the upper half. Watch price respected. If it’s bearish, you’re gonna watch the lower half and, and it should respect it.\” [00:00:07–00:00:43]
2) Purpose of adding smaller levels (quarters/eighths/etc.): – ICT: “If you want to have a better, closer read on continuous order flow… Having the smaller levels in between them, this gives you a greater detail for reading, continuous order flow. You don’t need to go on the candlesticks and look at numbers of how many people bought or sold. You’re getting a visual representation of ongoing buying and selling.” [00:02:46–00:03:29]
3) Nesting PD arrays increases strength: – ICT: “Whenever you have nesting P.D arrays It provides significant increases in the strength or validity behind the ideas you are implementing… the more behind that idea and the grouping that P.D arrays show and shared in an area or arrange, once price gets in it anticipate a lot of fireworks.” [00:22:42–00:23:45]
4) Advice on trading gold/silver/crude during elevated volatility: – ICT: “I have to be very, very careful in what I say about these types of markets. That’s why I backpedaled from silver and gold because I knew the volatility was gonna start hurting people… crude oil has entered that same realm… you can touch it if you want to, you can risk it, you can do all those things, but… I would not be touching it, especially if you’re not experienced well or well capitalized.” [00:11:11–00:13:04] – ICT later: “Paper trade them. Demo trade ’em, you know, where it can’t hurt you or tape read them… should we trade these markets? No.” [00:16:19–00:16:19 and 00:16:19–00:16:19 — context around 00:16:19–00:17:35]
5) One micro, stop after a loss, tape‑read practice: – ICT: “One you should be doing one micro. We’re in some serious… Even if you’re trading a couple micros… my advice to you is, is when you take a loss, stop, go into just tape reading. That’s what you should be doing right now… if you take a loss for the day, no matter what size it is, this is the skillset that you’re gonna practice…” [00:34:05–00:37:27]”
In a live trading discussion, participants question confusing ES price action around 10:00 AM, fair value gap inversions, and whether a move was manipulation; Michael explains that manipulation can occur unexpectedly, so traders must use stop losses, avoid over-leverage, and treat invalidation as information to potentially reverse bias. He ties direction to higher-timeframe context, noting daily-chart relative equal highs and specific reference levels (e.g., February 4 and February 25 highs around 25,514.5) as likely buy-side targets amid heavy market manipulation and low excitement due to small opening-range disparity. The group discusses using PD arrays, opening range gaps, engulfment-retracement-inversion patterns, journaling, and disciplined execution, with reminders not to share specific trades. Additional Q&A covers order blocks (including consecutive candles), propulsion blocks, silver bullet usage, personal risk management statistics, and “Easter egg” study prompts, alongside recurring platform technical issues.
Quiz (Answer Key below)
Question 1
According to ICT, what is the primary protection a trader should always use when entering a trade?
A. Only trade during high-volume sessions B. Use a stop loss because manipulation can occur at any time C. Wait for confirmation from multiple indicators D. Only trade when the market has large opening gaps
Question 2
What condition did ICT say often leads to a 50/50 market environment at the start of the session?
A. When overnight liquidity is very high B. When the market opens above the previous day’s high C. When there is no large opening range gap D. When price trades above the daily equilibrium
Question 3
Why did ICT believe the market had a higher probability of moving upward based on the daily chart?
A. Because institutional buying volume increased B. Because the market returned inside a range after taking sellside liquidity C. Because the market opened above the weekly high D. Because momentum indicators were oversold
Question 4
According to ICT, if a trade setup fails and price does not move in the expected direction, what should traders consider?
A. Close the platform and wait until tomorrow B. Add more leverage to the position C. Consider that price may move in the opposite direction and use prior imbalances as support/resistance D. Ignore the signal and wait for news events
Question 5
What did ICT say traders should do if they cannot tolerate drawdown through several PD arrays?
A. Use longer-term timeframes B. Increase position size C. Avoid trading during New York session D. Reduce leverage because they are over-leveraged
Question 6
When does a down-close candle become a bullish order block, according to ICT?
A. When price closes above the candle B. When price trades one tick above the candle’s opening price C. When the candle forms during the London session D. When the candle has a large wick
Answer Key (with Evidence)
1. B — Use a stop loss because manipulation can occur anytime
Evidence: “if we’re gonna be buying or selling, we have to use a stop loss… manipulation could come in… you getting wrecked and there’s nothing you could have done to prevent it except… have a stop loss.” (00:02:22–00:02:58)
2. C — When there is no large opening range gap
Evidence: “the first indication was it was 50-50 going in ’cause of the lack of a large enough opening range gap.” (00:04:21–00:04:29)
3. B — Because the market returned inside a range after taking sellside liquidity
Evidence: “we traded down to the sellside yesterday… then it came right back up inside the range… the market’s probably gonna try to gravitate towards [equal highs].” (00:08:30–00:08:56)
4. C — Consider the opposite direction and use prior imbalances
Evidence: “if it’s not selling off when it should be selling off, then it’s probably gonna go the other direction… treat them as footholds… it’s gonna be like a springboard.” (00:35:00–00:35:35)
5. D — Reduce leverage because they are over-leveraged
Evidence: “if you can’t absorb retracement… up to three PD arrays… you’re over leveraged.” (00:36:40–00:36:59)
6. B — When price trades one tick above the candle’s opening price
Evidence: “when we see price trade above the opening price of a down close candle… that immediately activates that down close candle… you just need to see it trade above it.” (00:41:32–00:43:08)
In a Trader Roundup live discussion hosted by Kitt with ICT (Michael), participants review a lecture and share takeaways about allowing small candle bodies to slightly exceed fair value gap boundaries in volatile markets, emphasizing risk control and that not everyone is suited to trading. Michael explains that key levels require alignment of time, price, and gradient levels derived from dynamic five-day ranges of opening gaps or other ranges, framing premium/discount for targets and setups. A trader asks how to choose among many sub-minute PD arrays; Michael says PD arrays are validated when they form over gradient levels at the right times. Others discuss learning via ICT’s X/Twitter spaces, note-taking, journaling (including using Notion and ChatGPT), scaling position size via pyramiding, displacement, event horizon partial exits, and using premarket liquidity. A brief religious question arises, and Michael reiterates focusing on process, patience, and delayed gratification.
QUIZ:
Test your knowledge (click each question to reveal the answer)
According to ICT, why might small candle bodies slightly outside a Fair Value Gap sometimes be ignored?
a) They always invalidate the setup
b) They represent strong institutional activity
c) They are insignificant price action and can be disregarded
d) They confirm that the market is reversing
Answer: c) They are insignificant price action and can be disregarded.
Evidence (00:11:30–00:11:55): ICT explains that small deviations outside the level may not matter:
“That small little segment of price action that still by definition is the body… what type of body is it, it’s an insignificant amount of price action. So to me, I disregard that.”
What condition must be present for a Fair Value Gap or PD Array to become a valid “key level” according to ICT?
a) It must occur during high volume
b) It must align with a gradient level and time
c) It must appear on a daily chart
d) It must close completely before trading
Answer: b) It must align with a gradient level and time.
Evidence (00:14:50–00:16:05): ICT states that the key factor is alignment with gradient levels:
“Every one of those ranges has a gradient level, and when it agrees with a P.D array… now you have a key level. It’s not a key level unless that criteria is there.”
In ICT’s explanation of algorithmic market behavior, what role do gradient levels serve?
a) They determine trading volume
b) They function like yard lines marking where price interacts
c) They identify market news events
d) They replace Fair Value Gaps
Answer: b) They function like yard lines marking where price interacts.
Evidence (00:21:20–00:22:05): ICT compares gradient levels to football field yard lines:
“The P.D array that lays down on top, that yard line, which is the gradient level… when it’s the right time to make the play.”
According to ICT, why do many Fair Value Gaps fail to produce trades?
a) Because they are too small
b) Because traders enter too early
c) Because they are not aligned with gradient levels
d) Because they occur during low liquidity
Answer: c) Because they are not aligned with gradient levels.
Evidence (00:22:10–00:23:10): ICT explains that most gaps are ignored by the algorithm:
“Just because you see a fair value gap means nothing. It has to lay over top of a gradient level at a right time… that’s what validates the fair value gaps.”
What does ICT say happens if price trades outside the defined range created by recent opening gaps?
a) Traders should double their position
b) Traders should immediately reverse their trade
c) Traders should stop trading and wait for a new range
d) Traders should switch timeframes
Answer: c) Traders should stop trading and wait for a new range.
Evidence (00:14:05–00:14:35): ICT explains how to respond when price leaves the defined range:
“What happens if it trades below that? You’re gonna sit on your hands… when a new day opening gap comes in… now you can trade, but you have a range to work within.”
In a live trading Twitter/X space, host Kitt moderates a discussion with Michael Huddleston (ICT) and global participants, stressing adherence to a speaker “process” and keeping commentary focused on markets rather than geopolitics. Traders share takeaways from ICT’s weekly review, including relative strength/SMT analysis on indices using line charts, expectations around gaps (indices gap down, metals/oil move), and assignment research (Hunt Brothers). Several off-topic or unprepared speakers are cut short, while others ask about fair value gap fills, macro timing precision (e.g., 10:50–11:10), managing opening-range/RTH gap levels (keep last five in rotation), and CFD vs futures. The group emphasizes journaling to reveal psychological errors and recommends healing fear by stepping back to tape-reading and demo. ICT proposes a four-week “one micro” challenge to earn about $1,000 to cover key bills, focusing on discipline, small risk, and scalability.
Quiz:
How well were you listening? Test your knowledge
According to ICT, what is the most important central factor that drives how and why prices move?
a) Volume
b) Indicators
c) Time
d) News events
Answer: c) Time
Evidence (00:51:10): “The most important central tenant to how and why prices move… it’s time.”
How many opening ranges does ICT recommend keeping on the chart as a general rule of thumb when analyzing price?
a) 3
b) 5
c) 10
d) 20
Answer: b) 5
Evidence (00:37:55): “I gave, as a general rule of thumb, keep five on there.”
When mapping multiple opening ranges, what does ICT suggest using to define the complete price range or grid?
a) The most recent opening range only
b) The highest high and lowest low of the last five opening ranges
c) The daily open and close
d) The weekly high and low
Answer: b) The highest high and lowest low of the last five opening ranges
Evidence (00:38:00 – 00:40:00): ICT explains using “the highest high of that range and the lowest low of the five” to create a complete range or grid.
What does ICT say macro time windows are primarily used for in trading?
a) Determining stop-loss levels
b) Predicting news releases
c) Focusing attention on when price moves tend to start or end
d) Identifying market manipulation
Answer: c) Focusing attention on when price moves tend to start or end
Evidence (00:42:00): “The macro is not the answer to everything. It’s a timing mechanism… a window of time where things tend to happen.”
In ICT methodology, what is the purpose of identifying liquidity in the market?
a. To determine broker spreads
b. To find price levels the market may target next
c. To calculate lot size
d. To determine leverage
Answer: b. To find price levels the market may target next
Timestamp: 00:40:26
Text: “It’s gonna reach for a pool of liquidity that’s within striking distance…”
What concept helps traders determine whether price is relatively “cheap” or “expensive” within a range?
a. Market profile
b. Premium and Discount
c. Fibonacci expansion
d. VWAP
Answer: b. Premium and Discount
Timestamp: 00:40:14
Text: “Assuming that we’re in the lower 100 handles of that 350, are we in a discount or a premium relative to that?”
When analyzing a trading range, what additional factor does ICT say traders should combine with price location?
a. Volume indicators
b. Fibonacci levels
c. Time aspect
d. RSI divergence
Answer: c. Time aspect
Timestamp: ~00:39–00:40 discussion
Text: “Where are you at with market price? Then add the time aspect to it and you’ll be able to see where you’re at in that range.”
Which price imbalance concept is mentioned as a possible continuation entry signal?
a. Breaker Block
b. Fair Value Gap
c. Volume Gap
d. Stop Cluster
Answer: b. Fair Value Gap
Timestamp: 00:43:00
Text: “I’ll just look for a continuation institutional order flow entry drill, or another fair value gap.”
Which ICT concept is referenced as a way to study how institutional price movements originate?
a. Breaker theory
b. Liquidity sweep model
c. Order Block projection theory
d. Volume imbalance model
Answer: c. Order Block projection theory
Timestamp: 00:32:29
Text: “Order block projection theory, very clearly articulated by Michael…”
“ICT Mastermind” Trader Roundup conversation led by Kitt with ICT (Michael J. Huddleston) and multiple speakers. They discuss tapping into intuition, mentorship and mastermind community support, and applying ICT trading models (notably the 2022 model, SMT, CISD, liquidity runs, and wick/gradient concepts including a “John Wick” example).
Several participants share personal journeys: Manos describes years of losses, demo focus, and recent progress; others describe using premarket mapping and liquidity concepts.
The group shifts heavily into health, fasting, carnivore/ketogenic diets, autophagy, insulin resistance, and chronic disease, with Michael describing prediabetic symptoms, dietary changes, and quality-of-life improvements. They emphasize journaling, discipline, avoiding emotional toxicity while trading, balanced living, and risk management, including one trader doubling a small account and extracting the initial deposit.
1. According to ICT, what is the real reason markets move? a) Economic
news releases b) Random retail trading activity c) Delivery of
price to rebalance inefficiencies d) Government intervention
Answer: c) Delivery of price to rebalance inefficiencies
Evidence: “The market is delivered algorithmically to
rebalance price delivery inefficiencies.”
2. What does ICT say traders must understand before trying to make money?
a) Complex indicators b) Broker spreads c) How price is
delivered d) High-frequency trading software
Answer: c) How price is delivered
Evidence: “You have to understand how price is delivered
before you can even think about trying to make money from it.”
3. According to ICT, what is the purpose of consolidation in the market?
a) To create random volatility b) To accumulate or distribute
positions c) To confuse retail traders d) To follow economic
news cycles
Answer: b) To accumulate or distribute positions
Evidence: “Consolidation is accumulation or distribution.
It’s not random.”
4. What does ICT say about liquidity? a) It is irrelevant to price
movement b) It is created by retail traders c) It is a byproduct
of volatility d) It is engineered and sought by price
Answer: d) It is engineered and sought by price
Evidence: “Liquidity is engineered. Price seeks liquidity.”
5. According to ICT, what is required to become consistently profitable?
a) A large starting account b) Patience and discipline c)
Copying institutional trades d) Trading every market session
Answer: b) Patience and discipline
Evidence: “You have to be patient. You have to be
disciplined.”
In a livestream discussion, Michael (ICT) and participants discuss growing confidence in his mentorship series, especially using lower timeframes to see market structure. A trader asks about market maker buy/sell model phases in high-resistance “barcoding” conditions; Michael explains these models belong to low-resistance liquidity runs, advising either dropping to sub‑minute charts where smaller-degree models appear or not trading/ranging markets.
They cover managing Opening Range Gap (ORG) levels, with Michael recommending beginners keep only the last three days, but also keep the last two Mondays and two Fridays because their ORGs often act as liquidity magnets; he notes sweet-spot ORG sizes and that gradient levels apply to any inefficiency/wick.
Michael advises novices to focus on one mechanical model to measure progress and build experience before broad discretion. He answers questions on V-shaped reversals using inversion/fair value gaps and cautions that detailed technical questions should be sent with charts on X.
A trader shares that prop funding harmed psychology and encouraged shortcuts, emphasizing patience and process.
Quiz (click to reveal)
1. Market Maker Buy/Sell Models primarily occur during: A) High resistance liquidity conditions B) News events only C) Low resistance liquidity run conditions D) Consolidation after macro time
C
2. If price is in a high resistance “barcode” condition on a 5m or 15m chart, what is recommended? A) Force trades using the same model B) Drop to lower timeframes C) Add more indicators D) Only trade breakouts
B
3. In high resistance conditions, ICT suggests you should: A) Always look for accumulation & distribution phases B) Trade aggressively C) Either drop to very low timeframes, sit on your hands, or trade another market D) Only use macro time
C
4. A true Market Maker model includes which of the following components? (Select all that apply) ☐ Accumulation ☐ Two distribution stages ☐ Smart money reversal ☐ Low-risk sell ☐ Random breakout
☑ Accumulation
☑ Two distribution stages
☑ Smart money reversal
☑ Low-risk sell
⛔ Random breakout
5. Opening Range Gaps have approximately what probability of trading to half-gap? A) 50% B) 60% C) 70% D) 90%
C
6. What is considered the “sweet spot” handle range for trading the opening range? A) 20–30 handles B) 40 handles C) 70–100 handles D) 150+ handles
ICT Mastermind “Trader Roundup” live discussion hosted by Kit with ICT (Michael Huddleston) and multiple participants reacting to a new mentorship lecture centered on defining “key levels” and how time and price align through a PD Array “matrix/grid.” Traders share personal takeaways: being patient, avoiding rushing entries, managing leverage and stops, and waiting for price to trade to PD arrays that overlap key levels (rather than trading breakout/retest).
Michael explains that key levels and gaps are repeating, specific phenomena that create a grid for anticipating liquidity draws across sessions, emphasizing anticipating instead of reacting. He lists and discusses key levels such as new week opening gaps, new day opening gaps, RTH/opening range gaps (with gradient levels and consequent encroachment), and highlights how overlapping PD arrays (fair value gaps, order blocks, inefficiencies) at these levels improve precision; he contrasts this with generic “opening range breakout” approaches.
Participants discuss inside-day definitions using candle bodies, SMT divergence being higher probability around liquidity runs and volatility injections (often around 9:30), and using midpoints/consequent encroachment to assess high-resistance conditions.
Michael answers specific questions including: keeping a rolling five days of prior ranges/levels on charts; daily chart behavior around a noted wick and a fair value gap; how to prioritize PD arrays (wick takes precedence over imbalance; fair value gaps/imbalances are more salient than volume imbalance); order block marking rules (body is key for the initial/inception order block that shifts delivery; subsequent order blocks can be traded using wick ranges/consequent encroachment); and that body-based inside days function similarly to classic inside days as a volatility precursor.
Several speakers share personal stories (e.g., a 66-year-old beginner trading the 9:50–10:10 macro with micros, a 23-year-old Nigerian student balancing engineering finals, and others trading 2024 mentorship models), while the session also notes technical audio issues on X and ends with plans for another space on Thursday.
In a live Trader Roundup discussion, Michael explains that traders should start with one micro contract to minimize leverage, desensitize themselves to losses, and remove urgency around needing the first trade to win. He recommends deliberately taking an initial micro trade (even by flipping a coin) with a defined stop to experience that “baptism of fire,” then reflecting on emotions, accountability pressures (often toward spouses or others), and adopting the mindset of running one’s trading like a business (CEO/CFO/HR), focusing on risk control and process over outcomes. He compares small trading losses to everyday spending and emphasizes that controlling drawdown prevents account “hemorrhaging” and builds confidence.
Multiple traders share experiences: Joe (22, Morocco) trades the opening range gap and first-presented fair value gaps (targeting 50%) with a claimed ~70% win rate but struggles with emotional control when seeing red P/L; a participant suggests hiding P/L on TradingView, and Joe says trading micros helped him stop rushing payouts and improved consistency. Alex (26) describes using first presentations, quadrants, inversions, and “footholds,” and says sizing down to micros helped him get funded after struggling and seeing others’ fast payouts. Zazu (19, Tunisia) recounts severe anxiety with prop firm pressure, blowing an account quickly, then reducing size, detaching from outcomes, using isolation, self-talk, walks/runs, and listening to ICT spaces to manage emotions; he expresses gratitude for ICT’s impact on his life.
Other speakers reinforce themes: a trader from the Dominican Republic describes repeatedly blowing prop accounts with minis and improving by simplifying, detaching from money, discipline, gym activity, and faith; an Armenian-American from Los Angeles discusses journaling, backtesting, using market maker model context, first presentations, and grading wicks/imbalances; he asks about first presentations older than five days, and Michael explains the “5” lookback is to avoid clutter, but older first presentations can matter when aligned with session context and higher-timeframe dealing ranges and draw-on-liquidity logic. John asks why setups didn’t form cleanly this week; Michael cites a weekly doji near the weekly open, OPEX/theta burn, rangebound conditions, and reduced follow-through, advising fewer trades and waiting for higher-probability setups. He answers a question on the price delivery continuum as top-down alignment across timeframes using PD arrays. Papi Trades (33, in Paris) shares needing to return to work after prop firm struggles and asks about balancing work and trading; Michael advises building cash reserves (2–3 years), avoiding undercapitalization, and not rushing full-time trading. Another participant asks about “opposite” first presentations; Michael says he has not fully disclosed it and will cover it later.
Austin (38, South Carolina) shares a three-year journey and asks about aligning monthly/weekly/daily timing for larger expansions; Michael says such alignment exists but depends on market conditions, noting current unprecedented compression and advising trading within ranges rather than demanding highs/lows. Chartist asks about volume imbalances; Michael frames them as common gaps/inefficiencies often revisited and discusses time-based delivery behavior consistent with AMD. Dom asks how displacement relates to buying/selling pressure; Michael says displacement is a signal of algorithmic delivery and institutional participation rather than simple auction pressure.
Near the end, Michael rejects risking 20% of an account and addresses “six-figure months,” recommending building consistency by trading one micro for weeks (e.g., aiming for ~5% weekly), compounding over time, and warning that many claims of huge monthly income are exaggerated. He emphasizes discipline, repetition, and following a consistent model, and notes fundamentals are more useful as higher-timeframe context while intraday trading remains focused on inefficiencies and PD arrays. The session ends as Michael leaves for family time
In a live trading community conversation, a participant asks where the market-controlling “algorithm” is hosted (CME/NY4/NSA involvement). Michael (ICT) responds that no one can prove or tour a central location, says he personally doesn’t believe it’s in the United States, and argues the best “evidence” is repeated precision in price behavior at specific levels and times. He insists the algorithm is based on open/high/low/close, dismissing range bars, tick charts, Renko, and similar chart types, and says markets must be controlled to prevent collective speculation from destabilizing critical markets like treasuries.
The discussion touches on silver’s recent volatility as an example of the algorithm “turning up the dial” where attention is highest, and mentions possible future shifts in volatility depending on metals contract expirations and geopolitical events such as a war with Iran affecting energy prices. A participant speculates Switzerland; ICT says that would be “close,” references major settlement institutions, and notes Switzerland as a place where “high seats” are.
The conversation then shifts to community trade recap and mentorship topics: members discuss hitting bearish and bullish targets, unmitigated settlement prices, and ICT concepts across timeframes (including five-second and fifteen-second charts), with emphasis on higher-timeframe context like the weekly open and a weekly doji/compression on a Friday news/opex day.
Another speaker praises ICT’s earlier remarks about prop firms, arguing many traders become dependent on prop rules and affiliate marketing, and warns firms can change rules and deny payouts. ICT reiterates that traders should invest in themselves using free material, avoid chasing shiny promises from props/gurus/courses, backtest simple ideas like time-of-day highs/lows, and focus on understanding the repeating logic behind his PD arrays rather than seeking gimmicks or social-media validation.
He describes teaching as a legacy for his children, references trading with his son Cameron observing levels being hit in real time, and frames the community space as a supportive forum where traders share struggles and learn paths toward consistency.
