Navigating the Tragedy of Middle East Unrest

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Hey Trader,

Praise and Perseverance in Trading

In the ups and downs of trading, it’s easy to focus on the challenges, but let’s not forget to lift our hearts in praise, no matter the circumstances.

As you navigate the markets, keep your spirit aligned with gratitude and faith.

Praise God for His guidance and provision, knowing that He is sovereign over all.

Be Relentless In Pursuit Of The Will Which God Has Set Upon Your Heart,

Anthony Speciale

Navigating the Tragedy of Middle East Unrest

Welcome to today’s live session recap. In this post, I’ll break down the trading opportunities we encountered and how I approached the volatile market conditions, specifically in crude oil.

For those of you trading alongside me or looking to refine your strategy, this recap should give you a clearer understanding of how I approach both uncertainty and calculated setups.

How Global News Can Shake Markets

This morning started off with some market movement in gold, which saw a push higher.

While the move followed through, it was short-lived, and we quickly shifted focus as the U.S. market opened.

Just as the bell rang, major geopolitical news broke: Iran was reportedly planning a retaliatory attack on Israel following the killing of a Hezbollah leader.

Global events like this can lead to heightened market volatility, and while such news can create opportunities, it also brings significant risk.

In moments like these, the market reacts emotionally, and I generally avoid trading during the immediate reaction.

There’s too much unpredictability—stop losses can be blown past, and gaps in price can make risk management difficult.

My approach is to let the initial volatility settle and wait for the market to provide clearer, evidence-based signals.

This way, I avoid trading on raw emotion, which can often lead to costly mistakes.

Waiting for the Right Setup in Crude Oil

Rather than jumping into the chaotic swings of the morning, I waited for a key level in crude oil to develop in the afternoon.

Specifically, I had my eyes on the $71.40 mark, which was a significant level from a previous session.

As the market moved back through this level, I noticed a critical candle that initially drove prices higher.

Once we closed below this candle, it became clear that selling pressure was building, and I anticipated further downside. This was the signal I needed to enter a short trade.

Executing the Trade: Short Setup in Crude Oil

Once the market confirmed my setup by closing below the key candle, I executed a short trade at approximately 1:25 PM EST.

From there, the market moved swiftly in my favor, and within about 10 minutes, I was able to close out the trade for a solid profit.

I exited my position around $70.50, just as we hit both the rolling VWAP and a level that had acted as prior resistance, now retested as support.

The trade played out exactly how I had anticipated: quick, efficient, and to the point.

This is the type of trading I prefer—when the market moves quickly after confirmation, reducing the risk of things turning against me.

Why Quick Trades Matter

As a retail trader, one of the biggest challenges you face is managing your risk in volatile markets. The longer you stay in a trade, the greater the chance that something can go wrong—whether it’s a news event or a sudden market reversal.

That’s why I focus on trades that move efficiently and align with my analysis.

In today’s case, waiting for the market to break below a significant level allowed me to time my entry well.

By utilizing tools like the footprint chart, which shows real-time buying and selling volume within each price bar, I was able to confirm the setup and make an informed decision.

When trades happen quickly and according to plan, it reduces the potential for unexpected market behavior to hurt your position.

The Footprint Chart: Visualizing Market Liquidity

For those unfamiliar, the footprint chart is a valuable tool in my trading arsenal.

It helps me see where the market’s liquidity is and how aggressive buyers or sellers are behaving at each price level.

In today’s trade, the chart showed clear evidence of selling pressure after we broke through the $71.40 level, confirming my short entry.

Key Takeaways for Retail Traders

1. Patience Pays Off – In volatile markets, sometimes the best move is no move. Waiting for the initial volatility to settle allowed me to enter a trade with a higher probability of success.

2. Use the Right Tools – Tools like the footprint chart help you make more informed decisions by providing insight into where buyers and sellers are positioned. Understanding this data can give you an edge when trading in fast-moving markets.

3. Stick to Your Plan – Entering trades quickly and efficiently, as I did today, helps mitigate the risk of sudden market reversals or unforeseen news events. Always have a clear plan for entry, stop-loss placement, and profit targets before making a move.

Trade with Clarity, Not Emotion

Today’s session is a reminder of the importance of sticking to a disciplined trading plan, even in the face of global news and market volatility.

By waiting for the right signals and using reliable tools, you can make confident trading decisions without getting caught up in the emotional swings of the market.

I hope this recap provides you with valuable insights into my trading approach.

As always, if you have any questions or want to dive deeper into these setups, feel free to reach out. Stay safe, trade smart, and I’ll see you in the next session.

Stay informed, stay focused and stay disciplined ! ! !

For market insights, live sessions, and detailed analysis, consider joining our family.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to seeing you in our next session . . .

God bless, and have a wonderful day!

If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don't hesitate . . . info@specialeanalysis.com May the markets be ever in your favor!

Join the Speciale Analysis Family of Traders and Take Your Trading To New Heights

Happy Trading,

Speciale Analysis

About the Author:

Anthony Speciale is a seasoned market analyst with over 13 years of experience trading. Through his platform, Speciale Analysis, he offers in-depth market analysis, interpretation, and expectations designed to help all types of traders, at every skill levels reach their full potential.

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NOTE: Trading involves significant risk, and it's essential to approach it with a well-defined strategy and a disciplined mindset. This blog post is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making an financial decisions. For further risk related information, please refer to: www.specialeanalysis.com/disclaimer