Module 8: Multi-Timeframe Analysis (Top-Down Approach)

Multi-timeframe analysis involves analyzing the same asset across several timeframes to get a complete picture—from the broad trend to the precise entry point.[^21][^22]

The Top-Down Framework

Think of it as zooming from a satellite view down to street level:[^21]

Step 1 – Higher Timeframe (Daily or 4H): Determine the primary trend direction and identify major supply/demand zones, support/resistance levels. This answers: "What is the market direction?"[^23]

Step 2 – Intermediate Timeframe (1H or 30M): Find specific setups within the larger trend. Identify more refined supply/demand zones, chart patterns forming, and key levels.[^21]

Step 3 – Execution Timeframe (15M, 5M, or 1M): Pinpoint precise entries using candlestick confirmation, tight stop-losses, and optimal risk-to-reward ratios.[^24][^21]

Example Application

1. Daily chart: EUR/USD is in a clear uptrend (HH/HL structure). You identify a daily demand zone at 1.0850.
2. 4H chart: Price is pulling back toward the daily demand zone. Within that daily zone, you find a 4H demand zone at 1.0860—confluence.[^17][^16]
3. 15M chart: Price enters the 4H demand zone. You see a bullish engulfing candle forming. You enter long with a stop-loss below the zone and target the next 4H supply zone.

Why Multi-Timeframe Analysis Matters

When your higher timeframe, intermediate timeframe, and execution timeframe all align in the same direction, your probability of success increases dramatically. A demand zone on the daily chart that aligns with a demand zone on the 4H chart has "multiple layers of support"—price would need to overcome buying pressure from both timeframes simultaneously.[^24][^21][^16]

Common Timeframe Combinations