Higher-timeframe context: HTF, MTF, Ichimoku

A 5-minute chart shows the detail; the higher timeframes show the backdrop. AK FlowBook Full condenses that backdrop into a few readings, mostly shown on the dashboard. All higher-timeframe values use closed higher-timeframe candles only, so they do not change while the higher-timeframe candle is still forming.

HTF trend

Setting: Trend timeframe (default 15 minutes) and HTF EMA length (default 50).

On the last closed candle of the trend timeframe:

• Long bias: close above its EMA and the EMA is rising or flat.
• Short bias: close below its EMA and the EMA is falling or flat.
• Neutral: anything else.

Shown on the dashboard row HTF / Regime as LONG BIAS, SHORT BIAS or NEUTRAL. The setup engine counts an aligned HTF trend in its score and subtracts for an opposed one.

MTF arrows

Settings: TF 1 to TF 4 (defaults 15, 60, 240 minutes and 1 day).

For each timeframe the dashboard shows ▲ (last closed candle above its EMA), ▼ (below) or ─ (equal). The row turns green when at least two more timeframes point up than down, and red in the opposite case. With Use MTF alignment in score on, a clear alignment adds a little to the setup score.

Regime (ADX)

Settings: Regime length (14) and Trend regime threshold (22).

The dashboard shows Trend ADX <value> when the ADX is at or above the threshold, otherwise Balance ADX <value>. This is dashboard text only; it does not filter anything.

Ichimoku context

Settings: the Ichimoku Context group.

• Context: price above the cloud with Tenkan at or above Kijun reads Bull cloud; the mirror reads Bear cloud; everything else reads Inside / mixed. With Enable Ichimoku context off, the dashboard shows Disabled.
• Lines and cloud: off by default. Turn on Show Ichimoku lines / cloud to draw Tenkan (blue), Kijun (red), Span A and Span B with the cloud fill.
• TK crosses: TK+ (Tenkan crosses above Kijun, aqua label at the low) and TK− (crosses below, orange label at the high). Off by default (TK± Ichimoku crosses) and hidden in Elite mode. An optional alert exists.
• Score: with Use Ichimoku in context score on, the setup engine adds to the score when the cloud agrees and subtracts when it disagrees. The Strict confirmation mode also requires that Ichimoku is not opposed.

Premium and discount

The indicator takes the range between the last confirmed swing high and swing low. The middle is the equilibrium.

• Close clearly below the middle: Discount.
• Close clearly above the middle: Premium.
• Near the middle: EQ.

The dashboard row PD zone / Session shows the zone and where price sits in the range as a percentage, for example Discount 23%. With Use PD location in score (long in discount, short in premium) on, the setup engine adds a little for long-side setups in discount and short-side setups in premium, and subtracts in the opposite case.

How to use the context

• Use it to frame the session, not to time anything. A long bias on the 15-minute trend with price below the day's value area is a different situation from the same bias with price above the weekly VWAP.
• When the readings disagree (for example LONG BIAS on the trend with ▼ arrows on 4 hours and daily), the market is mixed. That is useful information too.

Settings

Education only. Not financial advice. Trading futures and CFDs carries a high risk of loss.