Diagnostic Bar Size and Settings
Diagnostic Bar Size, Pattern Indicator, and Market Analyzer Settings:
Do not have data feeds set to connect on startup.
NOTE make sure you do always connect to CQG first then FXCM OR IQFeed Second.
Do not have data set to record historical data.
Market replay can be done with a batch download and is much more accurate.
It is highly recommended that each day you delete the ninjatrader/db/cache folder to ensure charts are accurate
You may use the bar sizer. however these are the sizes we have tested and have worked well. Some are larger. Remember the goal is good trades not lots of trades. We do have momentum scalps BMX and MVP reversals, and multiple markets to get us more than enough trades.
If you want Darrell to test any bar size on a instrument you often trade
1) First go here and take this course: http://apexinvesting.net/module-1/diagnostic-bar-sizes/
2) Test out the bar sizes
3) Then in the help desk submit your recommendations (He will spend 30 minutes to an hour doing this so please let it be a instrument you are trading and you have done the research also)
In slower markets you may want to use a smaller than normal bar size. This comes with experience.
UPDATED: 08/29/2014 (Updated Usually 1 x per Quarter Check Daily)
The MVP Indicator Should be Using 10 Tick Offset For the Volatile Trend Line Offset
BMX Zone is minimum of 5 Ticks and normally 5 ticks on lower volatility instruments (more volatile instruments which have lower brick sizes under 20 we will use 1/2 the brick size or 5 whichever is greater)
| Category | Instrument | Bar Type | Setting | Notes |
| Indices | ES | Diagnostic Bars | 10 tick | |
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 8/10/5 | |||
| FTSE | Diagnostic Bars | 6 tick | But not the best market to trade (must pay extra for data series) | |
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 8/10/5 | |||
| NQ | Diagnostic Bars | 14 tick | ||
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 8/10/5 | |||
| TF | Diagnostic Bars | 14 tick | Also works great with 6 tick (especially in slow markets). (Stops are usually 6 ticks instead of 5 ticks) | |
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 8/10/5 | |||
| YM | Diagnostic Bars | 26 tick | Also works great with 12 ticks, for additional entries | |
| Commodities | CL | Diagnostic Bars | 12 | Stops are usually 6 ticks instead of 5 ticks |
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 8/10/5 | |||
| GC | Diagnostic Bars | 10 tick | Position trade – 48 ticks (Stops are usually 6 ticks instead of 5 ticks) | |
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 8/10/5 | |||
| NG | Diagnostic Bars | 17 tick | ||
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 8/10/5 | |||
| Forex * | AUD/JPY | Diagnostic Bars | 20 tick | |
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 3/12/60 | |||
| AUD/USD (6a) | Diagnostic Bars | 6 tick | ||
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 3/12/60 | |||
| EUR/USD (6e) | Diagnostic Bars | 10 tick | ||
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 3/12/60 | |||
| GBP/JPY | Diagnostic Bars | 24 tick | 6 ticks for tight scalps or slower markets. Stops usually 6 ticks instead of 5 ticks. | |
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 3/12/60 | |||
| GBP/USD (6b) | Diagnostic Bars | 6 tick | ||
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 3/12/60 | |||
| USD/CAD (6c) | Diagnostic Bars | 6 tick | ||
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 3/12/60 | |||
| USD/JPY | Diagnostic Bars | 14 tick | ||
| Shadow Continuum Bars | 3/12/60 | |||
| May also try 6 ticks on fx markets in slower markets, etc… |
- Always use Default 24×7 as the session view
- Make sure you are on the correct Futures contract month (ie make sure on September not August (Check the exchanges website – ie cmegroup.com for volume, ask in the trade room, or check the nadex scanners)