Friday, November 14, 2025

A 5-minute open range breakout (ORB) strategy

 A 5-minute open range breakout (ORB) strategy is a day-trading technique where you identify the high and low of the first 5-minute candle at market open, then trade a breakout when the price moves past either of those levels. The strategy involves waiting for confirmation of the move, using a stop loss on the opposite side of the initial range, and taking a profit target based on a predefined risk-to-reward ratio. 

How to execute the 5-min ORB strategy
  1. Identify the 5-minute range: At the start of the trading session, mark the high and low of the first 5-minute candle. This is your initial trading range.
  2. Wait for a breakout: Wait for a 5-minute candle to close decisively above the high of the range (for a long trade) or below the low of the range (for a short trade).
  3. Look for confirmation (optional but recommended): Some traders wait for the price to "retest" the breakout level and confirm the new direction before entering the trade.
  4. Set your stop loss: Place your initial stop loss on the opposite side of the breakout candle or the initial range. For example, if you go long, your stop loss would be below the low of the range.
  5. Determine your profit target: Set a profit target, such as a 1:2 or 1:3 risk-to-reward ratio. A simple way is to use the height of the initial range to determine your target.
  6. Manage your trade: Consider taking partial profits as the trade moves in your favor. Be prepared to hold the rest of your position until your target is reached or the stop loss is triggered. 
Important considerations
  • Look for high-volume stocks: The strategy works best on stocks with high volume and liquidity at the open.
  • Consider other indicators: Use other tools like the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) to help confirm your trade. For example, a stock opening above VWAP and then breaking out to the upside can be a strong signal.
  • Analyze the bigger picture: Do not rely on the 5-minute ORB setup in isolation. Use higher timeframes to understand the overall market trend and confirm levels of support and resistance.
  • Risk management is key: This strategy can involve quick, volatile moves. Use a pre-defined stop loss to manage your risk effectively. 

No comments:

Post a Comment