In this video, an interesting quirk of the markets is explained, with an eye on how traders can take advantage.

I should start by saying that this really isn’t a rule, as much as it is a “rule of thumb.” Meaning it doesn’t always work (does anything always work in trading?) but it works enough that it is something to which you should pay attention.

The strategy is very simple: count how many days, hours, or bars a run-up or a sell-off has transpired. Then on the third, fifth, or seventh bar, look for a bounce in the opposite direction.

Too easy? Perhaps, but it’s uncanny how often it happens. And sometimes the simplest trading ideas in trading make the most money.

Here’s a video that explains more and gives a few examples with recent charts:

Hubert Senters is co-founder of TradeTheMarkets.com.