Wyckoff’s Method: LTG Trading explains the 3 laws that drive stock trading

Investors are always looking for insight. LTG Trading knows that Wyckoff’s Method may be the edge you need.

But, this isn’t exactly a “secret weapon.” Ever since it was created in the early 1900s, this process has been highly regarded as one of the most practical trading theories. Through observation and data analysis, Richard D. Wyckoff created a technical approach to determining market forces and influences. And it’s all encompassing. In addition to standardizing the average, “composite” investor, his methodology includes two governing rules, three fundamental laws, and a five-step approach. This can be a lot for novice investors.

Fortunately, LTG Trading can help. The Illinois-based firm was established on mentoring and education, focusing specifically on Wyckoff’s Method. While they offer wide-ranging tools and seminars, their brokers break down the method’s three basic laws below.

The law of supply and demand.

Supply and demand drive the direction of pricing in most sectors. Wyckoff’s Method is no different. In fact, it is central to his entire approach to investing and trading. When demand exceeds the available supply, prices increase. In contrast, low demand for a particular stock forces a drop in pricing. It’s all about balance. Prospective traders study volume bars and price action to evaluate changes over time.

Although this principle is seemingly simple, it requires skill to accurately analyze and identify these patterns. It also requires considerable practice. As part of its curriculum, LTG Trading fosters these techniques in its members, helping them predict future market movements.

The law of cause and effect.

Supply and demand is not random. Rather, it’s the result of specific, observable events. Wyckoff’s second law of cause and effect explains this assertion. Periods of trading represent the “cause.” When inventors accumulate assets through buying or distributing holdings by selling, they create a trigger. This is followed by either an uptrend or downtrend, respectively. This is the “effect.”

In essence, the law of cause and effect is the filter for analysts to set pricing targets. This principle enables traders and investors to construct price objectives by gauging potential emerging trends. LTG Trading and others use point-and-figure charting to measure these causes and project the impact of its effect.

The law of effort vs. results

According to this third law, price changes are a direct result of trading volume. In this scenario, trading volume is the effort. There must be harmony between these two forces. If pricing and volume are in balance, the current trend is likely to continue. However, the opposite signals an early warning for savvy investors. Disparities between price and volume represent a reversal of an existing trend. For example, big upward movements that do not result in higher prices mean that traders are selling off positions. A course correction is perhaps on the horizon.

In short, volume, which is described as effort, and pricing, which is the result, must be proportionate. If not, other forces are at play. Use any data and tools at your disposal to detect what may be happening.