Core Concepts

Order Flow Shift

A confirmed change in control between supply and demand

An order flow shift occurs when the balance of power between supply and demand definitively changes. It requires three confirmations: a zone failure creating a change of character (CHoCH), the new side's zone holding as a first level of respect, and the old side's last point of control failing. Without all three confirmations, an apparent shift may be a false signal or liquidity sweep.

How to Recognize

  • Dominant side's zone fails for the first time (CHoCH)
  • New side creates a zone that holds when tested (first level of respect)
  • Old side's last point of control fails
  • New structural range confirms in the new direction

How to Avoid

  • Calling a shift after only a CHoCH without first level of respect
  • Ignoring when the first level of respect fails to hold
  • Trading the shift before the last point of control is broken
  • Confusing a liquidity sweep with a genuine order flow shift