Simple ICT Day Trading Strategy That Works Every Day │ JadeCap

This trading strategy focuses on entering positions based on significant daily highs and lows, utilizing ICT's "Power of Three" framework—accumulation, manipulation, and distribution. With this approach, I earned $4.5 million and I’m here to show you how simple it can be: 

 

» Do not trade if the market has already hit the target high/low. «

 

The Key is to target historical levels beyond just the last 24 hours and to use the New York midnight open for optimal entry points. By staying committed to the market direction from the previous day and timing your trades around key sessions like New York or London (ICT Kill Zones), you can capture manipulation moves for more favorable risk-to-reward ratios. 

 

» I’m here to show you how simple it can be. « 

 

Now, I'll walk you through the three-step process I use to achieve results every day:

1.) Identify Key Levels: Determine the previous daily high or low as the target based on bullish or bearish conviction from prior day’s close.
2.) Assess Market Context: Confirm the market is trading below the previous daily high (for bullish trades) or above the previous daily low (for bearish trades) to avoid chasing price.
3.) Apply Power of Three:

Accumulation: Identify a range (e.g., Asian or London session) where orders build up.
Manipulation: Look for a temporary move against the expected direction (e.g., bearish move in a bullish setup) to trap traders.
Distribution: Enter trades as the market moves toward the target high/low, ideally near the midnight open for better risk-to-reward.

Entry and Risk Management:

• Enter trades on lower time frames (e.g., hourly) using setups like fair value gaps, order blocks, or liquidity raids that align with the high time frame direction.
• Place stop losses logically (e.g., at 50% of a Fair Value Gap or below a key level).
• Exit trades based on time (e.g., end of a 4-hour candle) or when the target is reached, avoiding overnight holds for futures.

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

• Do not trade if the market has already hit the target high/low.
• Avoid setups misaligned with the high time frame direction.
• Trade smaller or not at all if the market has expanded in your direction before entry.

Reference:
JadeCap (June 28, 2025)  - This Stupid Simple Trading Strategy Works Everyday (Proven). (video)

 

See also:

JadeCap (July 17, 2025)  - ICT Intraday Liquidity & Volatility Trading Playbook.

ICT Intraday Liquidity & Volatility Trading Playbook │ JadeCap

This strategy focuses on how price reacts to liquidity and volatility during the trading day. Liquidity refers to the areas on a chart where other traders have placed stop-loss orders, usually just above recent highs or just below recent lows. The market often moves into these areas to trigger those stops, and then either reverses sharply or continues strongly in the same direction.

Trade Example - NQ Short (1-H Chart)

 

The goal of this strategy is to spot those liquidity grabs, wait for a clear reaction, and then enter with confidence—either to trade the reversal or the continuation. The method is built for traders who prefer to focus on one trading day at a time, using clear logic, session structure, and precise timing.
 

On this episode of Chart Fanatics we are joined by Kyle Ng (AKA Jadecap). Regarded as ICT's best student and recently achieved a world record payout with Apex. Kyle reveals his complete ICT playbook that allowed him to generate millions from the markets. In this episode you'll learn how to manage open exposure and lock in profits, how to predict the next daily candle and the psychology behind avoiding greed in a trade. Riz Iqbal, May 15, 2025.

Each trade begins with a daily bias: a simple outlook on whether price is likely to move up or down today. Then the trader watches for session liquidity raids (like the Asian or London session highs/lows being taken out), and enters only after confirmation appears through a fair value gap, market structure shift, or divergence between markets. This model works well for intraday trades but can also be used for swing trades when the higher time frame aligns with the setup.

To take a trade using this model, the following must be true:

Clear Daily Bias: Decide if you’re bullish or bearish for the day using the daily chart.

Consider recent highs, lows, inefficiencies, and where the price is likely to go next.

Session Liquidity Zones Marked: These are common stop zones and entry traps:

Previous Day’s High and Low
Asian Session High/Low
London Session High/Low

Wait for a Liquidity Raid: A key session level must be taken out during the New York session — this is your signal

that stop orders have been hit and a potential move is beginning.

Confirmation on Lower Time Frame (15m / 5m). After the liquidity raid, wait for one of these confirmations:

Fair Value Gap (FVG)
Market Structure Shift (MSS)
Turtle Soup (false breakout and reversal)
Breaker Block

Ideal Time Window

Trade setups should form between 9:30 and 11:30 AM EST/EDT.

 

Key Differences Between Internal and External Liquidity.

Target & Exit: Your target depends on the setup type. Intraday Targets: Opposite session liquidity, fair value gaps, or  equal highs/

lows. If the trade slows near midday, consider exiting  even before the full target is reached.

Swing Targets: Use higher time frame liquidity zones (daily/weekly highs or lows), imbalances, or major structure. 

Swing trades can be held for multiple days as long as the bias and structure support it. Use time-of-day awareness, price behavior, and your risk profile to decide whether to hold or exit early.

Pros & Cons of the Strategy

This model is designed to deliver high quality, repeatable setups — but like any trading method, there are key things to understand before using it. Note: The cons listed here aren’t disadvantages. They are things to be aware of — important characteristics that require patience, discipline, and proper management to make the model work effectively.

 

Trade Example - NQ Short (15-Min Chart)

Reference:

Riz Iqbal (May 18, 2025) - Worlds BEST Prop Firm Trader Reveals SIMPLE Trading Strategy - Jadecap (Full Breakdown)(video).

 

JadeCap's Trading Room.

 

JadeCap YouTube Channel.

 

See also:

Michael J. Huddleston (May 27, 2024)  - ICT Intraday Templates & Setups for ES/NQ/YM. 

Darya Filipenka (April 3, 2024)  - ICT Syllabus for Beginners - How to Study ICT on YouTube. 

 Aurthur Musendame (2022)  - ICT Price Action Concepts.

 

ooooOoooo

 

If markets continually trend higher, any run on short-term highs should only be seen as short term liquidity being taken. Any retracement lower should be framed as a return to internal range liquidity prior to continuation.This keeps you on the RIGHT side of the market and you stop anticipating major reversals. Never try to pick tops and bottoms. Leave that to the big boys. We only want to ride their coattails. JadeCap's Trading Room, July 16, 2025.

 

Looking for Tuesdays highs on ES. JadeCap's Trading Room, July 17, 2025, 9:03.

 

I stopped adding new concepts and tools and just focused on properly executing what I've already learned. A few lines, context, and ironclad risk management. Stop focusing on the P&L and the size of your trades. If you can trade 1 micro you can trade 10 minis. But you can't do that at scale without a solid PROCESS. JadeCap's Trading Room, July 17, 2025, 14:47. 

Gold's Bullish Breakout from Symmetrical Triangle Could Target $3,700

 XAU/USD (daily bars), July 17, 2025.

 

 XAU/USD (daily bars), July 17, 2025.

 

XAU/USD - Elliott Wave Analysis: The price action in XAU/USD shows a clear upward impulse forming Wave 3, characterized by a distinct 5-wave pattern. Following this, a triangle correction labeled A-B-C-D-E has developed, taking the form of a Symmetrical Triangle—typical for a fourth wave in Elliott Wave theory. A breakout and daily close above the B-D trendline AND the July 16 high would confirm the pattern and suggest the beginning of Wave 5. Wave 5 is forecasted to target the ~3,700 level, supported by strong impulse potential. However, if the price breaks down from the triangle instead of breaking out upward, this scenario would be invalidated.

 

See also:
David Hickson (July 14, 2025)  - Gold Nearing Its 54-Month Hurst Cycle Peak. 

Trump’s GENIUS Act Sets the Stage for US CBDC | Martin Armstrong

While the world was distracted by the Epstein debacle, legislators introduced the GENUIS Act that would permit the US government to regulate stablecoins. The GENUIS (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act), primarily sponsored by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), permits the government to oversee, regulate, and define the $250 billion stablecoin market.

Now, stablecoins differ from cryptocurrencies as they are pegged to a stable asset such as a fiat currency or commodity. Cryptocurrencies are allegedly allowed to freely operate on the market based on supply and demand. The GENIUS Act will peg stablecoins to the US dollar and require issuers to maintain a 1:1 reserve ratio in short-term treasuries or cash.

» I just voted NO on the Rule for the GENIUS Act because it does not include a ban on Central Bank Digital Currency and because Speaker Johnson did not allow us to submit amendments to the GENIUS Act. Americans do not want a government-controlled

Central Bank Digital Currency. «
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, July 15, 2024.

 

Issuers holding over $10 billion in outstanding stablecoins will be subject to federal regulation under a newly created oversight agency. These issuers will now be deemed financial institutions and required to meet the traditional banking regulations as well. Stablecoins can no longer pay interest or act as an alternative to bonds. Perhaps most notably, issuers must not meet anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations, which are set to provide the government with unlimited access to payments.
 

So essentially, the government is turning the stablecoin into a digital dollar of sorts. The concern here is that this could delve into digitizing all currency and creating a CBDC. The act specifically provides the government with the authority to “block, freeze, and reject specific or impermissible transactions.” “A permitted payment stablecoin issuer shall be treated as a financial institution [and]…shall be subject to all Federal laws applicable to a financial institution located in the United States including…policies and procedures to block, freeze, and reject specific or impermissible transactions that violate Federal or State laws, rules, or regulations…”

» In 1971, we left the gold standard. Today, the groundwork is being laid for a cashless society controlled by digital currency.

You won’t control your money. The government will. This would end freedom altogether. «
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, July 17, 2024.

 

This provision is not intended to protect the world against drug smugglers and thieves. This provision is intended to grant government unlimited control over how people spend stablecoins. The government could have easily frozen the accounts of those who refused the COVID-19 vaccination, for example, and the Biden Administration admittedly weaponized existing financial institutions to spy on Conservative Americans through their payment histories.

 

“Stablecoins are the bait and switch for direct-issued government CBDCs,” Bitcoin Magazine editor Mark Goodwin said, “Stablecoins can be programmed. Exactly like how we fear CBDCs will be programmed. They’re exactly the same tokenized mechanism… They can be taken out of your wallet. Your wallet can be blacklisted. A lot of the things that we fear about CBDCs are totally available within the tool set of Stablecoins.”

 

The GENIUS Act has received bipartisan support. Although Republican Hagerty championed the bill, he had bipartisan co-sponsors, including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

 

I warned that governments would NEVER allow any cryptocurrency or stablecoin to compete with their own currency. I long warned that government was merely tolerating these alternative currencies in the past as they posed no real threat. But now the government needs the ability to tax everything to support its perpetual spending. Every digital transaction is traceable. Every digital currency is controllable—the ultimate power grab.

 

One of Donald Trump’s main campaign promises was the prevention of CBDC. The headlines are enraged over his failure to release the Epstein files, but the GENUIS Act is a far deeper betrayal of the American people that has the ability to usher in a new monetary system.

 

Quoted from:
Martin Armstrong (July 17, 2025)  - While the World Was Distracted by Epstein. 

S&P 500 Rally Returns to Midpoint of Long-Term Channel | Deutsche Bank

The S&P 500 has rallied about 25% in 3 months to hit record highs, which seems impressive. But it is only 2% above the February peak; i.e., over the last 5 months, it is up 5% at an annualized rate. And year-to-date, it is up 6.5%, or 12.5% at an annualized rate. In historical context, these numbers do not stand out.

The S&P 500 has just caught back up to the middle of its post Global Financial Crisis channel, 

and price gain so far this year is in line with the long-run median outside of recessions.
 

The median annual gain for the S&P 500 over the last 100 years is about 11.5%. And if one were to look only at years without recessions, it is 13%; for those with positive returns, the median is a whopping 19.5%. Indeed, the S&P 500 trends upward over time with occasional selloffs, and over the last 15 years—i.e., since the Global Financial Crisis (2007–2009)—it has been in a strong but wide channel rising at an annual rate of 12.5%. The rally has just taken it back to the middle of this channel, where it was at the February peak. 

 

Deutsche Bank, July 13, 2025.

 

  » Volatility is the toll we pay to invest. «

 

Since 1980 the median annual drawdown of the S&P 500 is 11% for all years,

and it's the same for election years (red boxes). 

 

» US stock market is among the three most overvalued in 100 years. « 

 

 Dow Industrials Four-Year Presidential Cycle 2024-2027, Ned Davis Research, 2024.

The Four-Year Presidential Cycle aligned with the Decennial Cycle, 1900–2024.

See also:
Wayne Whaley (July 6, 2025)  - The S&P 500 Jumps 26% in 86 Calendar Days: What's Next? 

Gold Nearing Its 54-Month Hurst Cycle Peak | David Hickson

Gold's price action has been challenging to analyze due to its recent flat trend, forming a wedge pattern. Gold is rising into an 80-day cycle peak, with potential for a higher price and a major 54-month cycle peak ahead.

Gold is currently rising into an 80-day cycle peak, and a higher price is expected in the near term.

Peak-Based Analysis (price peaks are synchronized): The current 54-month cycle peak is not sharply isolated, reducing confidence in its placement. A larger, sharper peak is expected, potentially displaced to the right, possibly reaching higher prices within the ongoing 80-day cycle peak.
Trough-Based Analysis (cycles align at troughs, which is mathematically incompatible with peak synchronization): The composite model (combining both analyses) shows divergence from the actual price, particularly recently, despite aligning at the 80-day cycle trough. This discrepancy suggests the major cycle peak is mispositioned, reinforcing the likelihood of a significant peak forming soon.

Close monitoring is needed due to the analysis discrepancy and non-ideal peak characteristics.

Reference:
David Hickson (14 July 2025)  - Hurst Cycles Analysis for Gold. (video)

 

See also:

Namzes (January 12, 2025)  - 2025 Gold Forecast.  

TPR (2018) - J.M. Hurst’s Cyclic Theory.

 

Gold (CMX) 40 Year Seasonality (1980-2019).

 

Gold likely remains in a broader bullish Elliott Wave structure, still supporting the expectation of a new all-time high. The preferred view is that wave four ended at $3,123 and wave five has begun, or that gold is forming an ending diagonal, having completed wave one and now correcting in wave two. This would lead to a five-wave diagonal, typically marked by overlaps, ultimately reaching new highs in a less aggressive fashion. The alternate view is that gold remains in an extended wave four correction. However, this is seen as less likely due to the disproportionate time it would take compared to previous subwaves, making it structurally inconsistent with typical Elliott Wave proportions.

  

Elliott Wave structure favors another all-time high around $3,600 depending on

how Wave 5 unfolds [see the above mentioned major 54-month Hurst cycle peak].

 

Support at $3,123 and especially $2,970 remains critical. Staying above these levels keeps the bullish case intact. A decisive break below $2,970 with increased downside momentum would raise the likelihood that gold has topped. The structure still favors another all-time high, with a potential target around $3,600. Unless $2,970 breaks with conviction, the market bias remains upward, with summer consolidation expected to resolve higher into the fall and year-end.

 

 

Following the completion of Wave 5, gold is expected to undergo a longer-term, multi-year retracement—either to around $2,541, or more significantly, by 61.8% to 78.6%, potentially reaching levels near $1,379.50 or even $884.20.

 

Reference:
HKCM Global (June 27, 2025)  - Gold Bull Market Losing Steam – Time to Reposition? (video)

Bitcoin’s Elliott Wave: Peak 2025, Dip to 40K, Rise to 160K+ | Branimir Vojcic

The analysis of Bitcoin’s performance concludes that Ethereum is likely to outperform Bitcoin over the next few years. However, Bitcoin’s price trajectory is still expected to show significant movement. 

 

Bitcoin's cycle peak in the 2nd half of 2025 will likely coincide with price reaching the green rectangle range, which is a forty-week

cycle price target. According to the preferred Elliott Wave count, that peak should be a wave (a) of super-cycle degree.

 

A cycle composite on the weekly chart projects Bitcoin's peak into the second half of 2025. 

 
A composite of three dominant cycles on the weekly chart indicates continued upside in the coming months, with a cycle peak projected for the second half of 2025. This peak is expected to align with Bitcoin reaching a price target within a green rectangle range, as determined by a 40-week cycle, and corresponds to a wave A of supercycle degree according to the preferred long-term Elliott wave count.

The relative performance of Ethereum versus Bitcoin will likely be better in the next few years.

 

Following this peak, a downturn is anticipated in 2026, with a cycle trough expected in the second half of the year or early 2027. This corrective phase is identified as a supercycle wave B, potentially bringing Bitcoin’s price down to around the 40,000 range during a multi-year correction. The lower blue trend line is highlighted as a logical support level during this period. The corrective wave B could manifest in various forms, such as a zigzag, triangle, or other corrective structures.

After the correction, a supercycle wave C is expected to drive Bitcoin’s price to the 160,000 range or higher, marking a significant long-term upward movement. This analysis combines cycle analysis and Elliott wave theory to provide a comprehensive outlook on Bitcoin’s price behavior over the coming years.

 

Ethereum is expected to outperform Bitcoin until 2028: Ethereum operates on a dominant three-year cycle, while Bitcoin follows a four-year cycle. These cycles are currently out of phase—Ethereum's cycle is projected to rise from late 2025 to mid-2027, while Bitcoin's cycle will decline until early 2027. Though other factors also influence performance, these dominant cycles are key long-term indicators. 

 

Reference:

Branimir Vojcic (July 14, 2025) - Bitcoin's Next Move (2025-2028): Cycle and Elliott Wave Analysis. (video) 

Branimir Vojcic (May 21, 2025)  - Bitcoin vs. Ethereum: Which Crypto Will Dominate? (video) 

 

 

Bitcoin formed a 40-week cycle trough in April, followed by an 80-day cycle trough in late June. Bitcoin recently hit a $121,000 target set in May or June, with price finding support at the 80-day cycle FLD. A 20-week cycle trough is expected in early September, likely at the 20-week FLD level. A 54-month cycle trough in late 2022 drives the current bullish action, with an 18-month cycle trough in August 2024 forming bullish M shapes. The current 18-month cycle, ending in early 2026, is expected to be less bullish as the 54-month cycle turns down. Watch for a peak before the next 18-month cycle trough in early 2026.

Hurst Cycle Analysis for Bitcoin by David Hickson, July 14, 2025.

S&P 500 and NASDAQ Headed for August Cycle Troughs | David Hickson

The S&P 500 analysis highlights a significant 18-month cycle trough formed in early April 2025, potentially of greater magnitude, driving recent bullish price action. An 80-day cycle trough occurred in the third week of June, aligning with the 80-day Future Line of Demarcation (FLD), a key cycle tool indicating support levels. 

 

An 18-month cycle trough in April 2025 has fueled recent gains, with an 80-day cycle trough in June confirming support via the FLD. A 40-day trough is due late July, followed by a deeper 20-week trough in August, forming a bullish M-shape pattern under longer-cycle upward pressure.

 

The dashed red composite model line aggregates cycle wavelengths and amplitudes to project future price movements. It closely mirrors past price action and forecasts a 40-day cycle trough in the third or final week of July, followed by a 20-week cycle trough around the third week of August. The composite model suggests a 20-week cycle peak is imminent or may have just occurred, with prices expected to decline into the 40-day trough, bounce slightly, and then fall into the 20-week trough, forming a bullish, distorted M-shape due to upward pressure from longer 18-month and 40-week cycles. The 20-week FLD will be critical for confirming support at the August trough, with shorter FLDs used to verify the peak.

Upcoming 20 Week Cycle Peak in the S&P 500.

 

The NASDAQ mirrors this pattern, with a significant cycle trough in April (at least 40-week magnitude, possibly 18-month), and a similar sequence of a 40-day trough in late July and a 20-week trough by late August. The composite model line indicates a smaller bounce after the 40-day trough compared to the S&P 500, but bullish pressure persists due to the April trough’s magnitude.

 

Tracking similarly to the S&P, the NASDAQ saw a major April trough (40-week or 18-month), with a 40-day cycle low expected in late July and a 20-week trough by late August. The bounce may be smaller than the S&P’s, but bullish momentum continues due to the strength of the April trough.

 

The 80-day FLD supported the June trough, and the 20-week FLD will be monitored to confirm support for the August trough, especially if the April trough matches the S&P 500’s 18-month magnitude. The principle of commonality underscores the synchronized movements across these markets. While the composite model’s price projections are less reliable due to cycle amplitude and wavelength variations, its shape provides a clear guide for expected market trends over the next several weeks.

 

Reference: 
David Hickson (July 14, 2025)  - Perfect Cycles - Hurst Cycles Market Update - 14 July 2025. (video)

 

See also:

TPR (2018) - J.M. Hurst’s Cyclic Theory.

"The summer rally has room to run but is running out of gas.
Seasonal MACD Sell Signal imminent," Jeff Hirsch, July 14, 2025.

See also:

David Hickson (June 30, 2025)  - Hurst Cycles Analysis Update for the S&P 500.

8 Bar Narrow Range (8BNR) Toby Crabel Price Pattern in the NASDAQ

The 8 Bar Narrow Range (8BNR) is a technical trading pattern developed by Toby Crabel, introduced in his book "Day Trading with Short Term Price Patterns and Opening Range Breakout". 

 

8 Bar Narrow Range (8BNR) pattern in the NASDAQ on July 11, 2025.

 

It is part of his framework of price action patterns that focus on periods of volatility contraction (narrow price ranges) as precursors to potential volatility expansion (significant price movements). Here's an explanation of what the 8BNR pattern suggests and its implications for traders:

The 8BNR pattern occurs when the 8-day range (the difference between the highest high and the lowest low over an 8-day period) is the narrowest range compared to any other 8-day period within the last 40 trading sessions. This indicates a period of low volatility or price consolidation, where the market has been trading in a relatively tight range over the past eight days compared to recent history.

The 8BNR signals a potential breakout, but it does not specify the direction. Traders often use the pattern in conjunction with Crabel’s ORB strategy:

 

Long Trade: Place a buy stop order at the open price plus the "stretch" (a calculated value based on the 10-day simple moving average of the smaller difference between the open and high/low).
Short Trade: Place a sell stop order at the open price minus the stretch.

 

Crabel’s research suggests that breakouts are more likely to be profitable if they occur early in the trading session. Trades triggered later in the day carry higher risk and may warrant smaller position sizes or avoidance of overnight holds. The 8BNR is more reliable when it occurs after a clear trend or during a pullback in a trending market. Multiple narrow range patterns in close proximity (e.g., consecutive NR7 or 3BNR, 4BNR, 8BNR days) may indicate congestion, reducing the reliability of the breakout.

Price always moves from Consolidation to Expansion,

never from Consolidation to Reversal or from Consolidation to Retracement. 

Like all technical patterns, the 8BNR is not foolproof. False breakouts, market noise, or unexpected events can lead to losses. Traders should avoid mechanical application and incorporate additional technical or fundamental analysis to confirm signals. Always combine the pattern with other market analysis for best results.

  

Reference:
Toby Crabel (1990) - Day Trading With Short Term Price Patterns And Opening Range Breakout. 

orderbloque (March 1, 2025)  - Market Logic Based on Liquidity, Volume, and Inefficiency. 

Larry Williams (January 20, 2025)  - How Markets Move: The Natural Cycle of Range Change. 

 TPR (August 23, 2024)  - Recent Toby Crabel Price Pattern Setups in the E-mini S&P 500 Futures.

Toby Crabel (June 14, 2024)  - The Principle of Contraction/Expansion.

TPR (December 13, 2018)  - From Contraction to Breakout to Expansion.