Thinkorswim Scanner for Swing Trading and Earnings

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The thinkorswim scanner is a powerful tool for swing traders and those looking to capitalize on earnings announcements. It allows users to scan the market for specific conditions that can indicate potential trading opportunities.

One of the key features of the scanner is its ability to filter stocks based on technical indicators such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Averages. This can be a game-changer for swing traders who need to quickly identify stocks that are showing strong momentum.

By using the scanner, users can also identify stocks that are likely to experience a high volume of trading on earnings announcements. This can be particularly useful for traders who want to take advantage of the increased volatility that often accompanies earnings reports.

The scanner's advanced filtering capabilities make it an essential tool for swing traders and those looking to profit from earnings announcements.

Thinkorswim Scanner Basics

The Thinkorswim scanner is a powerful tool that eliminates the routine review of stock prices, filtering them by set parameters. It's like having a personal assistant that helps you focus on the most relevant information.

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The scanner impartially tracks everything that interests you, leaving out unnecessary information. This saves you time and effort, allowing you to make more informed trading decisions.

The Thinkorswim scanner script is designed to help traders select the necessary positions for trading operations, making it an essential tool for anyone using the platform.

What Is for?

The Thinkorswim scanner is a game-changer for traders, allowing them to select the best positions for trading operations with ease. It eliminates the need for manual review of stock prices, filtering them by set parameters.

Thinkorswim scanner scripts can impartially track everything that interests a trader, leaving out unnecessary information.

Gap

I've worked with the Thinkorswim scanner and I can tell you that it's a powerful tool for identifying trading opportunities. The scanner can be set up to look for specific conditions in the market, and one of the useful features is the ability to scan for gaps in the market.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Create A Gap Scanner on Thinkorswim | TD Ameritrade Scan Gappers

A gap is a price movement that occurs when the market opens at a price that is different from the previous day's close. To identify gaps using the Thinkorswim scanner, you can use the "Price_Change" study with the following settings: "Close" is at least "4.0" % "greater" than "1" bars ago – Daily chart setting. This means that the scanner will look for stocks that have a price change of at least 4% from the previous day's close.

To further refine the scan, you can add additional criteria, such as the stock's price range. For example, you can set the scanner to look for stocks with a price between $50 and $10,000. This will help you identify stocks that are likely to be more volatile and potentially more profitable.

Here are the specific settings you can use to scan for gaps:

  • Stock – “Last” – Min: “$50” – Max: “$10000”
  • Stock – “Volume” – Min: “10000000” – Max: “200000000”
  • Study – “Price_Change” “Close” is at least “4.0” % “greater” than “1” bars ago – Daily chart setting

By using these settings, you can identify stocks that are likely to be involved in a gap, and potentially make some profitable trades.

Scanner Types and Functions

Credit: youtube.com, Master the Think or Swim (ToS) Stock Scanner | Trading Tutorials

Thinkorswim scanners are designed for live trading operations, allowing traders to set the value of their asset of interest and output scanned data on the chart in real-time.

You can set the value of the asset you're interested in using the scanner, making it easier to track and analyze market data.

One of the key features of Thinkorswim scanners is the ability to output scanned data on the chart in real-time, giving you a clear and up-to-date view of the market.

Here are the main functions of Thinkorswim scanners:

  • Set the value of the asset of interest to the trader.
  • Output the scanned data on the chart in real-time.
  • Allow advanced traders to use a range of stock scanners on a single platform.

Types of

Types of scanners available on Thinkorswim include the Special scanner Thinkorswim mobile, which is adapted for use on mobile devices.

This scanner is not available on all models of gadgets. The Special scanner Thinkorswim mobile is a unique feature that sets it apart from other scanners.

You can also use the From Open scanner, which looks for stocks that have made at least 0.9% in movement. This scanner is a great tool for traders who want to identify stocks with significant price changes.

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Other scanners include the Thinkorswim pre-market gap scan, Thinkorswim scan option volume, Thinkorswim scan for implied volatility, Thinkorswim scan relative volume, Thinkorswim breakout scan, Thinkorswim low float scan, Thinkorswim scan tutorial, Thinkorswim scan for a breakout, and Thinkorswim scan bid-ask spread.

These scanners offer a range of functions, from identifying stocks with significant price movements to analyzing option volume and implied volatility.

Here's a list of some of the scanners available on Thinkorswim:

  • Special scanner Thinkorswim mobile
  • From Open scanner
  • Thinkorswim pre-market gap scan
  • Thinkorswim scan option volume
  • Thinkorswim scan for implied volatility
  • Thinkorswim scan relative volume
  • Thinkorswim breakout scan
  • Thinkorswim low float scan
  • Thinkorswim scan tutorial
  • Thinkorswim scan for a breakout
  • Thinkorswim scan bid-ask spread

Keep in mind that selected scanners may not work with certain types of stocks or securities.

What Are the Functions of

Thinkorswim scanners are a powerful tool for traders, and understanding their functions is key to mastering them. The main function of Thinkorswim scanners is for Trading Live trading operations.

One of the key functions of Thinkorswim scanners is to set the value of the asset of interest to the trader. This allows traders to focus on the assets that matter most to them.

Mobile Trading App with Financial Market Charts
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Thinkorswim scanners also output the scanned data on the chart in real-time. This means traders can see the data as it happens, making it easier to make informed decisions.

Advanced traders can use a range of stock scanners on a single Thinkorswim platform, including several kinds of robots that even interact with each other. This level of flexibility is a major advantage of Thinkorswim scanners.

Scanner Setup and Configuration

To set up and configure the thinkorswim scanner, you'll first need to access the software through the TD Ameritrade broker's website or the resources of their developers. You can find the software and download the scanner to install on your platform.

To narrow down your selection, you can add conditions to your scan by selecting "Add Condition Group" and then choosing from the drop-down list. For example, you can add filters for stock, volume, or studies like the Average Directional Index (ADX) Crossover.

Stock Market Trading App Displaying Financial Data
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To add a filter, select the filter type from the drop-down list, and then specify the minimum and maximum values for the filter. For instance, you can add a filter for stock with a minimum price of $50 and a maximum price of $100.

You can also sort your scan results by symbol, ascending, or descending order. To do this, select the sorting option from the menu above the search results.

The default inputs for some filters, such as the ADXCrossover, are specified in the software. For example, the default inputs for the ADXCrossover are ADX crosses above 20 with an input length of 14.

Here's a list of some common filter types and their default inputs:

To enter specific criteria for your scan, you can use the "Stock" field to select the stock type, such as "Last" or "EPS", and then enter the minimum and maximum values for the filter. For example, you can select "Last" and enter a minimum price of $50.

You can also add filters for fundamental data, such as dividend yield or free cash flow per share. For example, you can select "Dividend Yield" and enter a minimum value of 7%.

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To save your scan settings, you can click the green "Scan" button and then adjust the scanner settings to filter for the desired data.

Here's an example of a scan setup with specific criteria:

  1. In the first "Stock" field, select "Last" and enter a minimum price of $50.
  2. In the next "Stock" field, select "EPS" and enter a minimum value of 1.
  3. In the first "Fundam." field, select "Dividend Yield" and enter a minimum value of 7%.
  4. In the next "Fundam." field, select "Free Cash Flow Per share" and enter a minimum value of 1.
  5. In the final "Study" field, select "Average_Volume" and enter a minimum value of 1 million.

Scanner Features and Tools

The thinkorswim scanner offers a range of features and tools to help you stay on top of the markets. Its customizable watchlists allow you to create lists of stocks, options, or forex pairs that you can monitor in real-time.

You can also use the scanner's advanced filters to narrow down your search and find specific trades that meet your criteria. For example, you can filter by time of day, volatility, or price movement.

With the thinkorswim scanner, you can also set up alerts to notify you when a specific condition is met. This can help you stay focused on your trading strategy and avoid missing out on potential opportunities.

Stacked Moving Averages

Stacked moving averages can be a powerful tool for traders, and our scanner makes it easy to identify bullish and bearish signals.

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You can download free links to get started with building your own scans, which is a great way to learn the ropes and customize your trading strategy.

Our scanner allows you to scan for stacked moving averages, giving you a clear picture of market trends and potential trading opportunities.

With this feature, you can quickly and easily identify when multiple moving averages are aligned in a way that indicates a potential buy or sell signal.

Rate of Change

The Rate of Change indicator is a powerful tool that can help you identify trends and patterns in the market. You can build a scan for this indicator in just 8 minutes, as shown in the example.

ThinkOrSwim offers a custom Rate of Change indicator that you can use to scan for stocks with a high rate of change. This can be a useful tool for traders and investors who want to identify stocks that are experiencing rapid price movements.

A scan for the Rate of Change indicator can help you quickly and easily identify stocks that meet your criteria, saving you time and effort.

Anchored VWAP

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Anchored VWAP is a powerful tool for identifying pullbacks to a key level of support. Download our free Anchored VWAP scan for ThinkOrSwim and you'll be able to easily pull up data for a custom date.

With the Anchored VWAP scan, you can input a custom date and hit go to view pullbacks to the anchored VWAP. This can be a huge time-saver and help you make more informed trading decisions.

Option Hacker Tool

The Option Hacker tool is a powerful feature on the thinkorswim platform.

To use this tool, you need to select a subset of stocks from the drop-down list next to the words Scan in. This list shows predefined categories, personal watchlists, and Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) lists.

Selecting Category, which is the first item on the list, and then All Optionable will help you find stocks with listed options.

Volume is a default indicator, so you don't need to add it, but you can add it within the Settings menu if it's not displayed.

Scanner for Swing Trading

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To find potential swing trading candidates, you can use a scanner with specific criteria in mind. This criteria includes using a simple moving average (SMA) to determine if a stock is trading above or below it.

A 20-day SMA is a common period used to calculate the average closing price of a stock. This can help you identify stocks that are trending upwards or downwards.

Using the Relative Strength Index (RSI) can also be helpful in identifying overbought or oversold conditions in a stock. An RSI reading above 70 is considered overbought, while a reading below 30 is considered oversold.

Swing Trading

Swing trading is a strategy that involves holding onto stocks for a short period of time, typically a few days or weeks, to profit from price movements. This approach requires a solid understanding of market trends and the ability to identify potential winners.

A key aspect of swing trading is finding stocks with the right characteristics, and ThinkorSwim's scan criteria can help. According to the scan, we're looking for stocks with a price of $50 or less, a volume of 300,000 or more, and a percentage change of -1% or more.

Financial results stock market
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To narrow down the list, we can also filter by the number of shares outstanding, which should be 300,000 or less. This helps us identify stocks with low float and the potential to move quickly in the right market environment.

Here's a summary of the scan criteria:

By using these criteria, we can create a list of stocks that are more likely to be successful in a swing trading strategy.

Swing Trade

To use a ThinkorSwim scanner for swing trading, you'll need to set specific criteria. The ThinkorSwim Scanner – Swing Trade Criteria suggests using a list of stocks with low float and the ability to move quickly in the right market environment.

You can use the following criteria to scan for swing trading candidates: Stock – “Last” – Min= “Blank” – Max = $50, Stock – “Volume” – Min = 300,000 – Max = “Blank“, Stock – “% Change” – Min = “-1%” – Max = “Blank“, and Stock – “Shares” – Min = “Blank” – Max = “300,000”.

Credit: youtube.com, BEST Swing Trade Scanner- ThinkOrSwim

A simple moving average (SMA) is a technical indicator that can help you identify trends. It's calculated by adding the closing price of a stock over a specific period of time and dividing the total by the appropriate number of trading days.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when charting a trade: Is the stock clearly trading above the SMA, or has it recently crossed above the line? Has the indicator line on the RSI crossed from below the 30 line to above the 70 line recently? Is volume increasing or higher than normal?

Scanner for Earnings and Short Interest

You can use the thinkorswim scanner to find stocks that are likely to have a run up into earnings, based on short interest and price action.

To do this, you can build a scan using two simple methods. You can scan for upcoming earnings in thinkorswim using these methods to identify potential opportunities.

Thinkorswim also allows you to scan for upcoming earnings with high short interest, which can be a strong indicator of a potential run up into earnings.

Upcoming Earnings

Credit: youtube.com, Scan for Upcoming Earnings with High Short Interest

You can scan for upcoming earnings in ThinkOrSwim using two simple methods. One method is to use the "Upcoming Earnings Scan" feature, which allows you to identify stocks that are about to report earnings.

To use this feature, you can follow the instructions from the "Upcoming Earnings Scan" article section, which shows you exactly how to do it. This method is straightforward and easy to use, even for beginners.

ThinkOrSwim also offers another method for scanning upcoming earnings, but it requires a bit more effort.

Earnings with High Short Interest

Stocks with high short interest and an upcoming earnings release can be a great opportunity for a potential short squeeze. This is because short sellers may be forced to cover their positions as the stock price increases.

Building a scan to find these stocks is a straightforward process, as seen in the example "Upcoming Earnings with High Short Interest". The scan should look for stocks that have a high short interest and are likely to have a run up into earnings.

Credit: youtube.com, How to find stocks with High Short Interest

Stocks near their 52 week highs with high short interest can also be a good indicator of a potential short squeeze. This is because these stocks are already showing strong price action, which can be further fueled by the short interest.

A simple scan can be built to find these stocks, as shown in the example "High Short Interest Near 52 Week Highs (thinkScript)". This scan should look for stocks that are near their 52 week highs and also have high short interest.

By using these scans, investors can identify potential opportunities for a short squeeze and make informed investment decisions.

Charting Results

To get more information about each stock in your scan results, select any symbol, right-click, and choose More info on […], then TOS Charts.

The default time frame for a chart is a one-year daily chart (1Y:1D). You can adjust this by selecting Style on the upper-right of the chart, selecting Time frame setup, and inputting your preferred time frame.

Credit: youtube.com, How To View Dynamic Scan Results in a ThinkorSwim Watchlist

Three studies can help you analyze a stock: Simple moving average, RSI, and other momentum studies. By adding these studies to your chart, you can gain a better understanding of the stock's trend.

To add a Simple moving average, select Studies > Add Study > Moving Averages > SimpleMovingAvg. Then, change the parameters to 50 by right-clicking the SimpleMovingAvg line itself and selecting Edit study SimpleMovingAvg.

The RSI study can be added by selecting Studies > Add Study > Momentum Studies > M-S > RSI. This will help you identify potential overbought or oversold conditions in the stock.

By adding these studies and adjusting the parameters, you can create a more comprehensive chart that helps you identify a trade entry point.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use scanner on thinkorswim?

Adjust values using plus and minus signs, and zoom in/out by selecting and holding the blue borders on the graph

How to create a custom scan in thinkorswim?

To create a custom scan in thinkorswim, click the Scan tab and select Stock Hacker from the sub-tab row, then add a study filter to the desired condition group. From there, you can choose a custom or pre-defined study to filter your results.

How do I add a scan to my watchlist on thinkorswim?

To add a security to your watchlist on thinkorswim, right-click the security in the Scan tab and select "Add to watchlist". You can also add symbols from the Charts tab by selecting the list icon and choosing "Add to watchlist

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Joan Lowe-Schiller serves as an Assigning Editor, overseeing a diverse range of architectural and design content. Her expertise lies in Brazilian architecture, a passion that has led to in-depth coverage of the region's innovative structures and cultural influences. Under her guidance, the publication has expanded its reach, offering readers a deeper understanding of the architectural landscape in Brazil.

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