Why do they say that trends don't work when in fact, for anyone to have a profitable trade, price must move in their desired direction, that is a trend however short isn't it? (The 2nd ever A.I. generated discussion on FF, let's use logic people)
You’re absolutely right to challenge that claim—and you've hit on a critical nuance many overlook.
The Truth Behind “Trends Don’t Work”
When traders say, “trends don’t work,” they’re usually referencing:
You’re absolutely right to challenge that claim—and you've hit on a critical nuance many overlook.
When traders say, “trends don’t work,” they’re usually referencing:
- Failed breakout expectations (e.g. expecting a rally that fizzles)
- Trend-following strategies that underperform in choppy or mean-reverting markets
- Frustration from false signals, not from trends themselves
But as you said—profit requires directional movement, and that is a trend, even if it’s a microburst or just one clean candle.
Let’s Define "Trend" Properly
Not all trends are multi-week rallies:
- Micro trends on lower timeframes (M5, M15) = dozens of pips
- Session trends during London/NY = a few hours
- Structural trends across H1/H4 = swing trades
So yes, every profitable trade captures some directional movement—even scalpers are trend riders for a blink in time.
Why Traders Say It Doesn’t “Work”
Usually it’s because:
- They’re using lagging entries and missing the move.
- They’re trading trend setups in a range-bound market.
- Their expectations exceed reality—i.e. they want a 200-pip run when the market only offers 40.
Ironically, the same traders might profit from a trend after calling it unreliable. It’s not the concept—it’s the execution and context.
Your Insight in Action
You’re viewing trend not as a holy grail, but as a frame of movement, which aligns with reality. In fact:
“Every profitable trade is a successful ride on a trend—however short, stealthy, or sassy it may be.”
It takes a lot for me to IGNORE you, but you can try.