
Fractal trading scalping is a high-frequency trading strategy that involves making multiple trades in a short period, typically within minutes or seconds, to take advantage of small price movements.
Fractals are patterns that repeat at different scales, and in fractal trading scalping, we use these patterns to identify potential trading opportunities.
To trade fractals effectively, it's essential to understand the concept of the "mother" and "daughter" fractals, which are the primary components of this strategy.
A mother fractal is a larger pattern that sets the stage for a trade, while a daughter fractal is a smaller pattern that confirms the trade.
What Are Fractals?
Fractals are a key concept in trading, and understanding them is essential for successful fractal trading scalping. A fractal is a reversal point on a price chart, specifically a swing high or swing low point.
The fractal formation is built by five consecutive candlesticks, with the middle candlestick being the highest or lowest point. Two other candlesticks are located to the left and right of the middle candlestick.

The middle candlestick is the key to identifying a fractal, and the fractal indicator will only display an arrow above or below it if it's the highest or lowest point of the formation. This visual recognition is more important than the math behind it, but for those who want to know, fractals can be calculated.
You can use any odd number of candlesticks starting from 5, 7, or 9, but for swing traders, higher settings are recommended. Here are some examples of fractal formations:
Keep in mind that fractals are not just about the math, but also about visual recognition and experience.
Bill Williams Strategy
Bill Williams Strategy is a comprehensive approach to trading that combines the Chaos Theory with trading psychology. It's a unique perspective that helps traders understand the market's internal parts, which Bill Williams calls dimensions.
The dimensions include Fractal (the phase space), Zones (the phase energy and force combination), Momentum (the phase energy), Deceleration/Acceleration (the phase force), and Balance Line (odd attractors). These dimensions are the foundation of Bill Williams' analysis and perspective of the market.

To apply the Bill Williams Strategy, you need to understand the indicators he developed, including the Accelerator/Decelerator Oscillator, Alligator, Awesome Oscillator, Fractals, Gator Oscillator, and Market Facilitation. Each indicator has a specific value and is great to trade with if you understand the basic concepts.
Here are the 5 indicators developed by Bill Williams:
- Fractals
- Alligator
- Awesome Oscillator
- Gator Oscillator
- Market Facilitation
The Alligator indicator, for example, consists of 3 specific moving averages: the 13-period line (Jaw), the 8-period line (Teeth), and the 5-period line (Lips). These lines have specific names because they will be referenced later on in the strategy.
The fractal trading system is simple to use and can be applied to most trading platforms. Fractal arrows that appear above the price action are green and signal the potential of a swing high being developed, while fractal arrows that appear below the price action are red and signal the potential of a swing low being developed or an important price level being created.
Trading with Fractals

Fractals are a powerful tool for traders, offering a clear and objective way to identify potential reversal points in the market. They are based on specific rules for pattern recognition, reducing the potential for interpretation errors.
A fractal is a technical analysis reversal pattern that involves a minimum of five candlesticks. It can be used to identify potential reversal points in both uptrends and downtrends. Fractals can be applied to various timeframes, making them suitable for traders with different trading styles and preferences.
To identify a fractal, look for a series of five candles, and then apply the following rules: for a bullish fractal, the third candle should have the lowest low, and the first two candles should have higher lows than the middle candle. For a bearish fractal, the third candle should have the highest high, and the first two candles should have lower highs than the middle candle.

Here are the key elements of a fractal:
- Bullish fractal: lowest low in the middle candle, higher lows in the first two candles
- Bearish fractal: highest high in the middle candle, lower highs in the first two candles
By understanding how fractals work, traders can use them to identify potential trading opportunities and make more informed decisions.
How to Trade This Strategy? (2 Common Ways)
Trading with fractals can be a powerful way to identify potential reversal points in the market. Fractals are based on specific rules for pattern recognition, reducing the potential for interpretation errors.
To trade this strategy, you'll need to identify fractals on your chart. A fractal is a technical analysis reversal pattern that involves a minimum of five candlesticks. There are two types of fractals: bullish and bearish patterns.
A bullish fractal signifies an impending uptrend reversal, while a bearish fractal signals an imminent downtrend. To spot a bullish fractal, look for a series of five candles with the third candle having the lowest low, and the first two candles showing higher lows compared to the middle candle.

Conversely, a bearish fractal is identified by a series of five candles with the third candle having the highest high, and the first two candles showing lower highs compared to the middle candle.
Here are two common ways to trade fractals:
- Simple Scalping with Williams Fractals: This strategy involves entering a trade when a fractal pattern is formed, and exiting when a certain profit target is reached. The fractal pattern is formed by a sequence of at least 5 bars where the lowest low is in the middle for a bullish fractal, or the highest high is in the middle for a bearish fractal.
- Fractal Trading Strategy: This strategy involves identifying fractals on your chart and entering a trade when a fractal pattern is formed. The fractal pattern is confirmed valid when the 5th candlestick trades below the low of the 4th candlestick for a bearish fractal, or above the high of the 4th candlestick for a bullish fractal.
Both of these strategies can be effective, but it's essential to understand the underlying principles of fractal trading and to use proper risk management techniques.
Step 1: Apply Bill Williams Alligator Indicator
Bill Williams' Alligator Indicator is a powerful tool for traders. It's included in most trading platforms and is a great addition to your fractal trading strategy.
The Alligator Indicator is made up of three lines: the Jaw, the Teeth, and the Lips. These lines are used to identify the market's internal parts, which Bill Williams called dimensions.
The dimensions include the Fractal (the phase space), Zones (the phase energy and force combination), Momentum (the phase energy), Deceleration/Acceleration (the phase force), and Balance Line (odd attractors).

To apply the Alligator Indicator, you'll want to look for the following:
- The Jaw: This line is used to identify the market's momentum.
- The Teeth: This line is used to identify the market's acceleration and deceleration.
- The Lips: This line is used to identify the market's balance and equilibrium.
Here's a brief summary of how to use the Alligator Indicator:
By applying the Alligator Indicator, you'll be able to gain a better understanding of the market's internal parts and make more informed trading decisions.
Forex Strategies
Fractal Forex Strategies offer a range of options for traders.
One such strategy is the 35# Price Action Fractal Scalping, which can be an effective way to trade.
Fractal and Moxo (Momentum Crossover) is another strategy that combines fractals with momentum indicators.
The Fractal Metatrader Indicator is a tool that can be used to identify fractals on the charts.
The Profitunity (Chaos) Trading System by Bill Williams is a popular strategy that uses fractals and chaos theory.
To use fractal trading strategies, you can follow the steps outlined in the Fractal Trading Strategy Steps.
Fractal trading techniques can be improved by using a combination of price action analysis and indicators.

Many traders argue that every indicator is lagging, but the Fractal Trading Strategy uses a combination of price action analysis that complements these great indicators.
The Fractal Trading Strategy can be used with the Bill Williams indicators, which are available on charting platforms like mt4 and tradingview.
The fractal forex indicator can be used to automate the identification process of fractals, providing traders with insights about the historical and structural behavior of price movement.
The indicator identifies previously formed, valid fractals with an arrow sign, and also identifies fractal signals that form in real-time for traders to profit from the current momentum or direction of price movements.
Benefits and Limitations
Fractal trading scalping can be a powerful strategy for traders, offering several benefits that make it an attractive option.
Fractals are fairly accurate trading signals, which are also easy to recognize and use.
Fractals can be applied to various timeframes, which is suitable for traders with different trading styles and preferences.

The use of fractals in setting stop-loss orders contributes to sound risk management practices.
Fractal trading can help traders time their trades more effectively, potentially leading to more profitable trades.
Here are some key benefits of fractal trading:
- Fractals are fairly accurate trading signals, which are also easy to recognize and use.
- Fractals can be applied to various timeframes, which is suitable for traders with different trading styles and preferences.
- The use of fractals in setting stop-loss orders contributes to sound risk management practices.
However, fractal trading is not without its limitations. Traders must be cautious of false signals and acknowledge that fractals are lagging indicators, which can result in delayed entry and exit signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scalping really profitable?
Scalping can be profitable, but it typically involves smaller winning trades and a higher ratio of successful trades to losses. If you're interested in learning more, scalping strategies can be a viable option for traders seeking to maximize their winning trades.
What is the best trading platform for scalping?
For scalping, consider Eightcap, FP Markets, or BlackBull Markets, as they are highly rated for their fast execution and low latency, ideal for quick trades. Each has its unique strengths, so it's worth exploring their features to find the best fit for your trading needs.
What is the 1 minute scalping strategy?
The 1-minute scalping strategy is a short-term trading approach that focuses on capturing small price movements within a brief time frame, typically seconds to 1 minute. It involves rapidly buying and selling to profit from minor market fluctuations.
Sources
- https://www.forexstrategiesresources.com/scalping-forex-strategies/35-price-action-fractal-scalping/
- https://tradingstrategyguides.com/fractal-trading-strategy/
- https://howtotrade.com/blog/fractal-trading/
- https://www.quantconnect.com/forum/discussion/1322/simple-scalping-with-williams-fractals/
- https://www.fxcc.com/fractals-forex-strategy
Featured Images: pexels.com