Gold coiling before a catalyst: ADX below 18 (no clear trend) + ATR below 1.2% of price (below-average range = compression) + Bollinger Bands narrow (BB width < 3% of price). Gold compresses before major catalysts (FOMC, CPI, geopolitical). Once ADX crosses 20 with a strong daily close outside BB, the expansion is often 3-5%. Watch don't preempt — wait for the breakout candle, then trade the direction.
ATR < 1.2% of price = compression. Volatility coils before expansions. When ATR drops below 1.2% of price on gold, the next expansion is often 2–4% — direction unknown until break.
atr_14 < price * 0.012 + price near range mid + decent volume.
| Horizon | Intraday |
| Scanner timeframe | 1h |
| Confirm entry on | 15m / 1h |
| Typical hold | 3–10 hours |
| Max hold / time-stop | End of NY session |
The pages below are free and educational, but the actionable plan stays in the app:
Compression resolves 70%+ within 1–3 days; direction is 50/50. Full breakdown in the premium app.