#美国非农就业数据未达市场预期 The most frequently asked question during this period is: How can I read candlestick charts correctly? Clearly staring at the screen and studying for half a day, yet still being shaken out by small fluctuations—entering and exiting, and the account shrinking.

The root cause is actually very simple—confusing the timeframes.

My own method for analyzing the market is very straightforward, with just three steps, each addressing a specific question: Where are you going, where are you standing, and when to act.

**Step 1: Look at the big picture on the 4-hour chart**

The 4-hour chart has the least noise, allowing you to clearly see the current market temperament.

Are the highs and lows both trending upward? That indicates a bullish trend, and each pullback is an opportunity to build positions. Conversely, if the tops and bottoms are continuously sinking, the bears are in control, and during rebounds, you should either reduce your positions or watch the show. If the price is oscillating within a range, the best approach is to stay still and not make reckless moves. Following the major trend increases the probability of winning.

**Step 2: Use the 1-hour chart to determine specific positions**

Once the direction is clear, the 1-hour chart comes into play—identify key support and resistance levels.

When the price approaches trendlines, moving averages, or previous lows, these are likely support levels, and you can start paying attention. If it approaches previous highs or an important resistance level, consider taking some profits or locking in gains. This step determines where you should truly make your move.

**Step 3: Use the 15-minute chart for entry signals**

The 15-minute chart does one thing: tell you if it’s a good time to enter.

After the price reaches the right level, look for reversal patterns, divergences, or moving average crossovers as signals. It’s especially important to note that a genuine breakout must be accompanied by volume; otherwise, it’s likely a trap, and you risk being whipped out.

**The core logic of this entire approach is actually this simple:**

The larger timeframe determines the direction, the medium timeframe chooses the position, and the small timeframe aims to catch the bottom. When the opinions across the three timeframes are not aligned, the smartest move is not to gamble but to wait patiently.

Small timeframe changes are too rapid, so stop-losses must be strict; otherwise, you’ll be easily swept out back and forth. Truly stable trading relies not on quick eyes but on following the trend, being at key levels, and waiting for the right signals—these are the three essential tools.

In short, trading isn’t about how fast your hands are, but whether you can stay calm and patient.