http://img688.imageshack.us/i/usdjp
I've mentioned quite a few times the need of having a methodology that is bale to discern reversals, supports, and resistances. I also have a proprietary set of S&R's that is able to discern the range of a trend. I'm posting this chart of the USD/JPY to show past actions within the scope of my methodology, and to give a prospective of what will happen in the future.
I do not claim to have the only methodology that works, but I do claim that if yours is able to discern Supports and resistances, and key reversal areas that is will yield you lots of pips and $$$$. It is up to all traders not to copy someone else's method of trading, but to design the methodology that is best catered to them for their style and personality.
The colors pertain to the encircled areas on the chart:
Black: In trading any market, the best way to make a decision to get in the market is through a confluence of events. At least 2 agreeing, or 3 or more is better. This is how it was easy to see how this pair was headed south. The candle hit the bottom of the cloud, and the cloud was on a bear run as it peered into the future. Notice the apex on the TL's. The stochastics were OB.
Green: When your TL's are drawn correctly, this is a facsimile of the nature of it being broken, a strong move to and through the TL. Once the TL is broken,
there is usually a retracement (The oddity is we did not get one on this cross through.) and then back in the new trend for several candles.
Yellow: The tenken acting as support.
Brown: The kijun acting as support.
Purple: Tenken and kijun both merged upward, price got squeezed, and then the strong move.
Pink: That is what is called an apex. Invariably, if price hits an apex, there is always a strong move. If price does go sideways that far, then it is favorable for a reversal and not a break further south. The reason is the daily is fresh. Other than the 2 points that distinguished the TL, the TL has never been hit. Another point is the black line was drawn off the 4-hour chart, and the blue off the daily. The daily would win when everything else is even.
As far as the future is concerned, it is favorable to see a drop further for the USD/JPY. Notice how price entered the cloud. Once in the cloud, 85% of the time price will see its way to the other side. Right under the cloud is the TL, which means it is strong support. I could be wrong, but 82.09--81.80 appears to be containment.
BTW, the quantity of opportunities that were spotted on this chart and the prognosis for the future move is seen on every chart. I monitor 28 pairs, and it drives me nuts, at times, trying to decide what I want to trade.
There are also myriad of opportunities in sideways markets, just like in trending markets.