Is MTF necessary?

I mean, using a bigger TF than the one you're currently trading on is just removing some information. I don't think it brings anything to the table.
instead of using higher TF, use bigger periods.

if you use an MA and your entries are on H1 and you use trend on H4, then multiply your MA period by 4 and use that on H1, you'll always be ahead, compared to H4, because you have more data, and the 'turns' will show faster.

that's my thinking about MTF, never understood the need of it.

Jeff

Agreed. My thinking exactly.

I answered, by chance, this very same question just yesterday. In terms of MA's etc., anyway.

I use an 80 tick, 300, etc., I have the same period MA on each and look for alignment. So, 300 / 80. Use that to multiply your MA period and add to your 80 tick chart, and what do you know. The same exact values you have on the 300 tick. Testing with my other TF too. So, if you are just using for indicator alignment, does not seem necessary. Just do a little math. Price patterns on different time frames I guess are another thing...

depends, for a scalper or even a day trader no need mtf, because they only want to catch the activity or part of the activity of the day,
for a trend follower or a swing trader it matters, because they want to catch bigger moves, and for sure that they don't want to be on the opposite side of the movement of higher time frames, just like cot can be usefull for swing traders and trend followers and no usefull for scalpers and day traders

cheers

MTF is the core of my trading approach. I use simultaneously up to 5 TF per market.
Entry TF{M5,M15},
Setup TF{M30,H1},
Directional TF{H4,D1,W1}.
Combined with Visual order flow analysis via volume. Purely discretionary.
The aim is to see the order flow through price action displayed over Multiple TFs, WITHOUT need for complicated whooping special software. With this, I am used to average trade of 5 - 20 RRR. Some can go further, but I was already out. Due to tight Stop and wide targets.

Summary, don't be quick to diss what you don't use, it is someone else's bread and butter. I for once don't use signal indicator and if I see one display trading idea bases on indicator, I don't even look. Not my thing, doesn't mean that guy don't know how to use it. Would be immature of me to be that disregardingly arrogant.