Gold 5-Minute Scalper

Depends on conditions, but typically 5-15 quality trades per 2-4 hour session. Quality over quantity - don't force trades. Some sessions may only have 3-5 good setups.

For CFDs with 100:1 leverage, minimum S$2,000-5,000. For micro futures (MGC), S$5,000-10,000. For full futures (GC), S$20,000+. More capital allows better position sizing.

Common reasons: Stops too tight (use ATR-based); Trading against trend (check higher TF); Low volume period (Asian session); News volatility. Ensure stops give room for normal price noise.

Yes, but only in the direction favored by indicators. If EMAs are bullish and price > VWAP, only take longs. If bearish, only take shorts. Don't force counter-trend scalps.

Stop when: (1) Daily loss limit hit, (2) 3+ consecutive losses, (3) You feel fatigued or emotional, (4) Session ending (liquidity dropping), (5) Reached daily profit goal (optional).

If spread widens significantly while in a trade, consider exiting at market rather than waiting for target. Widening spreads often precede volatility that can move against you quickly.

Both work. Fixed targets (e.g., 10 pips) offer consistency. Trailing stops can capture extended moves. Many use hybrid: Fixed target for 50%, trail the rest. Test what suits your style.

Best approach: Flatten all positions 5-15 minutes before major news. After news, wait for initial spike to settle (5-10 minutes), then look for setups in the established direction. Never scalp INTO news.

Keep it simple: 2-3 indicators maximum. Recommended: Fast/Slow EMA (8/21), VWAP, and RSI(5). Too many indicators create analysis paralysis and slow decision-making.

Focus on: (1) Only trading active sessions, (2) Waiting for all indicators to align, (3) Trading with higher TF trend, (4) Being patient for quality setups. Quality over quantity always.

Watch for: Price probing obvious levels (round numbers, prior highs/lows), quick wicks past levels with immediate reversal, high volume at the probe without follow-through. The reversal after the probe is your entry.

Key metrics: Win rate by session, Average winner vs loser, Profit factor, Max consecutive losses, MAE (Maximum Adverse Excursion), MFE (Maximum Favorable Excursion). Review weekly for patterns.

Use limit orders when possible. For market orders, trade with momentum (less slippage). Avoid thin markets. Account for typical slippage in your risk calculations. Some slippage is unavoidable.

Yes, but challenging. Core signals are automatable. Challenges: Spread monitoring, news avoidance, session filtering, execution quality. Semi-automated (signals + manual execution) often works better.

Gradual increases: Start with base size, increase by 25-50% after consistent profitability for 1 month. Monitor for execution issues at larger size. Spreads may widen for very large orders - test incrementally.