What is a trend?

[own19]

Hello guys, First of all, I know what a trend is, but I'm looking for a more accurate opinion. P1. In what time frame would you look for a trend? P2. What is the minimum duration of a movement in a certain direction for you to consider it trend? P3. Do you use any indicator to determine if a trend has started?

[Velazqwz]

P1. Each time frame has its own tendency that you can take advantage of. Sometimes, the tendency of a smaller frame goes against that of a larger one. Generally, it is considered risky to operate in a direction contrary to the trend of a higher frame. P2. For me, a sequence of a higher maximum or lower minimum, followed by a higher or lower minimum maximum, and then another confirmation. P3. I like to use the price action. I also cross mobile stockings, as they are like a simplified version of the price action on a larger scale.

[lucaygv33]

For example, in a 4-hour chart, you can see 3 bullsails, then 2 recoil bassists and then 4 more upwards. That would be 9 candles in H4, but if you look at it in M15, there are already 144. In M15 you could see several smaller trends within that larger structure. The best way to operate trends, regardless of the time frame, is with price action and trend lines.

[cokileha]

In one of Joe Ross’ manuals, he defines specific moments where: “Define” a new trend. A new trend is “established”. For example, if you are in a downward trend and then see an bullish, the sequence would be something like this: ...LH-LL-LH-LL...[...]...HL-HH-HL-HH... (LH = lower maximum, LL = lower minimum, HL = higher minimum, HH = higher maximum

[azzamin]

For me, a trend is simply a period of constant movement in one direction, where the variations between bars are kept within a reduced range. Something that may seem very volatile in the short term, could be perfectly trending in a larger frame. To know whether or not something is a trend worth operating, look at the Bollinger Bands with a standard deviation. If the width of the bands is consistent and fits what you would consider as an acceptable stop, you may be facing a good trend.

[oxnwl93almemay]

I just wanted to add that for me, these would be examples of what I call “trend” vs “antitrend”: Trend: smooth, consistent movements, with controlled backsliding. Antitrend: erratic movements, with no clear direction. I use Kalman filters for trend lines, so they look more precise than with common moving stockings, but the logic is the same.

[own19]

A trend, for me, begins when I see at least two clear impulses followed by backs within previous levels. I don’t care if I’m in M5 or D1, the important thing is that there is structure. Without that logic of maximum/minimum ascending or descending, the rest is just noise. And no, I don’t use any magic indicator to detect them. I sometimes trace moving stockings just to see if they are aligned, but the base will always be the price action. Who depends on a line crossing to define trend, is already late in play.

[own19]

Is someone really still wearing mobile stockings as if they were the trading bible? That worked in 1998, not in 2025. Today algorithms eat you alive if you wait for a 50 with 200 cross. A trend is felt, you live. It is seen in volume, in intention, in the lack of setbacks. If you have no eye to see it on the naked graph, no indicator will reveal it to you.

[own19]

For me, the best framework to identify trend is the diary. That’s where the real institutional interests are reflected. Everything that happens in H1 or M15 is pure noise if it’s not aligned with the D1. Now, I operate on H1, but always with the look set in the direction the daily graph sends. If it goes against, better step.

[own19]

The minimum duration to consider something as a trend? Minimum three impulses and two clear setbacks. If there is no structure, it's just an isolated impulse. Not all that goes up is trend, sometimes it's just a rebound. That's why it's key not to rush. Many come in believing that they're hunting a trend and all they do is catch the end of a setback.

[own19]

I use the RSI with a very personalized configuration to detect trend start, but more as a confirmation than as a trigger. I also have a script with adaptive stockings that marks me ruptures of consolidation zones. However, the most reliable is still the trained eye. You can have 10 indicators, but if you don't know how to interpret a simple surround candle, you are lost.

[own19]

Do you know when a trend starts? When you stop asking yourself if it’s a trend. The market is already shouting it in your face. What happens is that many become obsessed with defining it instead of operating the obvious. Stop looking for the perfect definition. Focus on following the flow of price and making simple decisions. That’s how those who understand the game win.

[own19]

There are those who need 14 confirmations, 3 patterns and align the planets to say that there is a tendency. I just need to see minimums and maximums in the right direction. Don’t complicate the simple. If the price makes HH and HL, it’s bullish. If it does LL and LH, it’s bassist. What else do you want? A letter signed by the ECB?

[own19]

I have tried everything: indicators, automatic systems, robot sound alerts... and in the end I returned to the classic method: to observe the price and draw lines. The trend is so evident when you see it, that anything else only distracts you. Also, when you understand how liquidity moves, you start to see trends where others see chaos. There is the difference.

[own19]

A true trend is not only noticeable by movement, but also by context. Is it breaking key areas? Is there volume behind it? Are the setbacks weak and aggressive impulses? If the answer is yes, then you are probably facing something operable. If not, better wait. Not every strong movement is an opportunity.

[own19]

Tendency in M1? Come on, that’s like saying that a yawn is a marathon. Microtrends exist, yes, but they’re useless if they’re not supported by a larger structure. And yes, I know that there are scalpers who live from this. But most end up with more stress than benefits. I don’t recommend it if you don’t yet understand or what a setback is.

[own19]

I define trend when I see that the price consistently rejects an important level and begins to mark direction clearly. I do not need it to move 500 pips. Sometimes 50 well structured are enough. Also, a good trend is felt even in the speed of execution. Everything flows better. There is no doubt or hesitation.

[own19]

One advice that an institutional trader gave me was: “Don’t pursue the trend, let the trend come to you.” At first I didn’t understand it, now I live it. Waiting for confirmation in areas of high interest is more profitable than trying to anticipate every turn of the market. It’s a matter of patience, not indicators.

[own19]

The most common mistake I see is confusing a deep correction with a reversal. A tendency can have violent setbacks and stay alive. That’s where the structure analysis comes in. If you don’t know how to read that, you’re operating blindly.

[own19]

Many think that a trend is linear. Error. Good tendencies are zigzagging, dirty, and sometimes confusing. But if you focus on the general direction, you can surf it the same. The important thing is not the perfection of the movement, but the consistency of the flow. There is the key.

[own19]

I use the ADX combined with MACD to validate trends. When both are aligned, the likelihood of the movement holding up increases a lot. It’s not infallible, but it helps to avoid getting in the middle of consolidations or false breaks. In the end, it’s all risk management.

[own19]

Do you know when a trend becomes dangerous? When everyone sees it. That’s where trains fill and the market makes the typical jolt. That’s why you have to learn to enter early, without being the first. And get out before everyone, without looking cowardly.

[own19]

Time frames? Multiple. I look at D1 for general direction, H4 for structure and H1 for entrance. So I make sure to operate with the wind in favor. If you only look at a frame, it’s like driving looking through a single mirror. Sooner or later you’re going to crash.

[own19]

The trend is a friend of the trader... until he betrays her... never marry a management... the market owes you no loyalty... as soon as you see signs of exhaustion, come out, there are more opportunities out there.

[own19]

A trend doesn't need an explanation. If you have to ask yourself if it's trend, it probably isn't. When it is, you know it right away. And if you don't see it, it's because you're seeing what you want to see, not what the market shows you.