The TTF within the TTF Indicator Metatrader 4 forex indicator stands for Trend Trigger factor, and is an indicator that is similar to the RSI indicator.
The TTF Indicator Metatrader 4 forex indicator was introduced in the December 2004 edition of the Technical Analysis of Stocks and Commodities magazine by M. H. Pee.
Originally, the TTF Indicator was deployed as a trend identification tool in the stock exchange and commodities market, but its scope has since widened to include the forex markets.
Basically, a buy signal is generated when the value of the TTF Indicator is above -100, while the overall sentiment thus stays bullish when the indicator line is above the zero center line.
On the other hand, a sell signal is initiated when the value of the TTF Indicator is below +100, while sustaining a general bearish sentiment when it is below the zero center line.
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Indicator Chart (EUR/USD H4)
The EUR/USD H4 chart below displays the Trend Trigger Factor Indicator Metatrader 4 forex indicator in action.
Basic Trading Signals
Buy Signal: Go long when the light sea green line of the TTF Metatrader 4 forex indicator breaks above -100.
Sell Signal: Go short when the light sea green line of the TTF Metatrader 4 forex indicator breaks below +100.
Exit buy trade: Close all buy orders if a bullish trend is ongoing, the light sea green line of the TTF indicator breaks above the +100 level.
Exit sell trade: Close all sell orders if a bearish order is running, the light sea green line of the TTF indicator dips below the -100 level.
Tips: The TTF indicator allows users to be on the right side of the market, and it achieves this by simplifying the process in which traders deploy when determining bulls/bears market trends.
MT4 Day Trading Strategy: Trend Trigger Factor + No-Lag Moving Average
This day trading strategy combines the Trend Trigger Factor (TTF) Indicator and the No-Lag Moving Average (NLMA).
The TTF gives a clear signal when it rises above the 0 level for a buy and falls below 0 for a sell.
The No-Lag MA shows trend direction with its line color: blue for bullish and red for bearish.
Together, they provide a clean day trading approach with strong trend filtering and early signal timing.
This system works well on M15, M30, and H1, making it suitable for intraday traders who want structured and consistent entries.
It is simple to follow: wait for the TTF to cross the 0 level, then confirm with the color of the No-Lag Moving Average.
This reduces noise and helps you stay aligned with genuine trend direction throughout the day.
Buy Entry Rules
- TTF must rise above the 0 level, giving a bullish signal.
- The No-Lag MA line must be blue, showing a bullish trend.
- Enter long after the candle closes with both conditions valid.
- Place stop loss below the No-Lag MA or below the nearest swing low.
- Take profit: 25–40 pips on M15, 40–60 pips on M30, or 60–100 pips on H1.
Sell Entry Rules
- TTF must fall below the 0 level, giving a bearish signal.
- The No-Lag MA line must be red, confirming a bearish trend.
- Enter short after the candle closes with both signals aligned.
- Place stop loss above the No-Lag MA or above the nearest swing high.
- Take profit: 25–40 pips on M15, 40–60 pips on M30, or 60–100 pips on H1.
Advantages
- TTF gives early directional signals when crossing the 0 level.
- No-Lag MA confirms trend direction without much delay.
- Simple rules make it ideal for day traders wanting clean setups.
- Reduces false entries by requiring trend confirmation.
- Works well on major and cross pairs with decent volatility.
Drawbacks
- Signals may come late during strong momentum spikes.
- Ranging market conditions can cause rapid TTF whipsaws.
- No-Lag MA may switch colors during consolidation, causing hesitation.
- Requires patience, as some days offer fewer valid setups.
Case Study 1 – CAD/JPY on M30
During the London morning session, CAD/JPY was in a steady uptrend.
The TTF indicator crossed above the 0 level after several hours of sideways movement.
At the same time, the No-Lag MA showed a clear blue line, confirming bullish direction.
A buy trade was opened on the candle close.
Price moved upward gradually and reached more than 55 pips of profit before the trend began to slow near a resistance zone.
Case Study 2 – EUR/AUD on H1
EUR/AUD formed a clear downward structure near the start of the US session.
The TTF dropped below the 0 level and held there for several candles.
Meanwhile, the No-Lag MA remained fully red, confirming bearish dominance.
A sell position was taken once a clean candle close appeared below the moving average.
The market moved strongly for the next several hours, producing around 90 pips before pausing at support.
Strategy Tips
- If the No-Lag MA is flat, skip the setup even if TTF crosses the 0 level. Flat conditions usually mean low momentum and choppy price action.
- Use session timing to your advantage. London and early New York sessions typically offer the strongest trends for this system.
- When TTF crosses the 0 level with a strong slope and long candle bodies, the move often continues. These conditions can justify a slightly larger take profit.
- Look for a clean market structure: higher highs and higher lows for buys, lower highs and lower lows for sells. This supports the indicator signals and filters out weak moves.
- Reduce position size when trading pairs with higher volatility, like GBP/JPY or EUR/NZD, to avoid oversized drawdowns.
- If the price repeatedly tests the No-Lag MA without breaking it, it often acts as a dynamic support or resistance zone. Use this behavior to refine entries.
- Trail your stop loss only after the price has moved at least halfway to your target. This avoids premature stop-outs during normal retracements.
- Use partial closing for longer intraday moves: take half at your initial target and let the rest follow the trend as long as TTF stays above or below zero.
- When TTF sharply flips back across the 0 line, exit immediately. This often signals the end of the current directional wave.
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Download the “ttf-indicator.ex4” Metatrader 4 indicator
MT4 Indicator Characteristics
Currency pairs: Any
Platform: Metatrader 4
Type: chart window indicator
Customization options: Variable (TTFbars, TopLine, BottomLine, t3_period, b), width & Style.
Time frames: 1-Minute, 5-Minutes, 15-Minutes, 30-Minutes, 1-Hour, 4-Hours, 1-Day, 1-Week, 1-Month
Type: trend | momentum
