Smart Money Trading Strategy Guide
Understanding the intricacies of the stock market can be daunting, but Gavin Holmes’ “Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money” offers a unique perspective. This approach helps traders recognize the footprints of the so-called “smart money” – the professional traders and institutions who significantly influence market movements. By learning to identify these signals, traders can make more informed decisions and enhance their trading strategies.
Who is Gavin Holmes?
Background and Expertise
Gavin Holmes is a seasoned trader and author known for his expertise in volume spread analysis (VSA). He has dedicated his career to educating traders on how to decode the activities of professional traders and institutions.
Publications and Contributions
Holmes has authored several books and conducted numerous seminars and webinars, making his insights widely accessible to traders at all levels.
Understanding Smart Money
What is Smart Money?
Smart money refers to the capital controlled by institutional investors, central banks, and other financial professionals. These entities have the resources and information to influence market trends.
Why Follow Smart Money?
By following the smart money, retail traders can align their strategies with the market’s underlying trends, increasing their chances of success.
Volume Spread Analysis (VSA)
What is VSA?
Volume Spread Analysis is a methodology that examines the relationship between price movements, volume, and the spread of a security. It helps traders identify buying and selling pressures.
Components of VSA
- Volume: The number of shares traded.
- Spread: The difference between the high and low prices of a trading period.
- Price: The actual trading price of the security.
Key Concepts in “Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money”
Identifying Professional Activity
Holmes emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of professional activity in the market. This involves analyzing volume and price action to detect accumulation and distribution phases.
Accumulation and Distribution
- Accumulation: When smart money is buying large quantities without significantly moving the price.
- Distribution: When smart money is selling large quantities without causing a sharp price decline.
Practical Application of VSA
Analyzing Chart Patterns
Holmes teaches traders how to read and interpret chart patterns to identify potential smart money moves.
Using Indicators
Incorporating technical indicators with VSA can enhance the accuracy of your analysis.
Common VSA Signals
Up Thrusts and Shakeouts
These signals indicate potential reversals or continuations of trends, providing valuable entry and exit points.
No Demand and No Supply Bars
These bars help traders identify weak points in the market, signaling potential trend changes.
Building a Trading Plan
Setting Objectives
Define clear trading goals based on your risk tolerance and market understanding.
Risk Management
Implementing robust risk management strategies is crucial for long-term success.
Trade Execution
Plan your trades meticulously, considering entry and exit points, stop-loss orders, and position sizing.
Real-World Examples
Case Studies
Holmes’ book includes various case studies that illustrate the practical application of VSA in different market conditions.
Live Trading Sessions
Engaging in live trading sessions can provide hands-on experience and deeper insights into Holmes’ strategies.
Advantages of Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money
Increased Accuracy
By following the smart money, traders can make more informed and accurate trading decisions.
Enhanced Market Understanding
Holmes’ approach helps traders develop a deeper understanding of market dynamics and professional trading activities.
Challenges and Solutions
Complexity of VSA
VSA can be complex for beginners. Holmes’ resources and educational materials help simplify these concepts.
Market Volatility
High market volatility can obscure smart money signals. Adapting your strategy to different market conditions is essential.
Conclusion
Trading in the Shadow of the Smart Money with Gavin Holmes offers invaluable insights into the world of professional trading. By leveraging VSA, traders can enhance their strategies and align their actions with those of the market’s most influential players.

Commonly Asked Questions:
- Business Model Innovation: Accept the truth of a legitimate business! Our strategy is organising a group buy in which participants share the costs. We use these cash to acquire popular courses from sale pages and make them available to people with limited financial resources. Despite the authors’ worries, our clients love the cost and accessibility we give.
- The Legal Environment: Yes or No The legality of our activity is ambiguous. While we don’t have specific permission from the course authors to resell the material, there is a technicality at work. The author did not specify any limits on resale when purchasing the course. This legal intricacy is both an opportunity for us and a boon for individuals looking for low-cost access.
- Quality Control: Uncovering the Truth
Getting to the heart of the issue – quality. Purchasing the course straight from the sale page guarantees that all documents and resources are the same as those obtained through traditional channels.
However, we distinguish ourselves by going beyond personal research and resale. It is crucial to note that we are not the official course providers, which means that the following premium services are not included in our package:
- There are no scheduled coaching calls or sessions with the author.
- Access to the author’s private Facebook group or web portal is not permitted.
- No access to the author’s private membership forum.
- There is no direct email support available from the author or their team.
We operate independently, with the goal of bridging the pricing gap without the extra services provided by official course channels. Your comprehension of our distinct approach is much appreciated.

Zen8 Forex Hedging Program with Hugh Kimura - Trading Heroes
Elite Keys to Trading Success Class
High Probability Trading Using Elliott Wave And Fibonacci Analysis withVic Patel - Forex Training Group
WondaFX Signature Strategy with WondaFX
Trading Options at Expiration: Strategies and Models for Winning the Endgame with Jeff Augen
WealthFRX Trading Mastery Course 2.0
Advanced Get 12.0.3485 x86 (August 2014) (+ open code efs, dll's) for Any eSignal Account
Trading Markets Swing Trading College 2019 with Larry Connor
Crystal Ball Pack PLUS bonus Live Trade By Pat Mitchell - Trick Trades
Beginner To Winner Boot Camp with Pips2Profit
May Madness with LIT Trading
Recover Your Losses & Double Your Account Size with Tokyo The Trader - PLFCrypto
B.O.S.S. Carbon with Pat Mitchell – Trick Trades
Home Run Options Trading Course with Dave Aquino - Base Camp Trading
Woodies Collection and AutoTrader 7.0.1.6
White Phoenix’s The Smart (Money) Approach to Trading with Jayson Casper
The Complete Options Trading Course (New 2019) with Wealthy Education
Options Trading & Ultimate MasterClass With Tyrone Abela - FX Evolution
Best of the Best: Collars with Amy Meissner & Scott Ruble
Graphs, Application to Speculation with George Cole
Volatility Master Class
New York Institute of Finance – Futures. A Personal Seminar
The Ultimate Step By Step Guide to Online Currency Trading with Cynthia Marcy, Erol Bortucene
Trend Forecasting with Technical Analysis with Louis Mendelsohn & John Murphy
The Best Option Trading Course with David Jaffee - Best Stock Strategy
LIVE TRADERS - TECHNICAL STOCK TRADING
Introduction to Stocks & Forex
What is Strategy with Michael E.Porter
Ambush Trading Method on Wheat & Corn with Marco Mayer
The Professional Risk Manager Handbook with Carol Alexander
Matrix Spread Options Trading Course with Base Camp Trading
Trading The Kaltbaum Seven-Step Methodology with Gary Kaltbaum
Trading Spreads and Seasonals (tradingeducators.com)
X-Factor Day-Trading
A Trader's Guide to Self-Discipline: Proven Techniques to Improve Trading Profits
FTMO Academy Course
Algo Trading Masterclass with Ali Casey - StatOasis
The Handbook of Equity Style Management (3rd Ed) with Daniel Coggin & Frank Fabozzi
The Best of the Professional Traders Journal: Best Trading Patters Volume I and Volume II with Larry Connors
Compass Trading System with Right Line Trading
The A14 Weekly Option Strategy Workshop with Amy Meissner
Jesse Livermore Trading System with Joe Marwood - Marwood Research
Trading Short TermSame Day Trades Sep 2023 with Dan Sheridan & Mark Fenton - Sheridan Options Mentoring
Computerized Trading with Mark Jurik
$20 – 52k 20 pips a day challange with Rafał Zuchowicz - TopMasterTrader
Zanzibar System for the EuroFx with Joe Ross
You can be a Stock Market Genious with Joel Greenblaat
A Comparison of Twelve Technical Trading Systems with Louis Lukac
Geometric Angles Applied To Modern Markets with Sean Avidar
Ultimate Trading Course with Dodgy's Dungeon
The Tickmaster Indicator
The Trading Blueprint with Brad Goh - The Trading Geek
Tape Reading Trader Program (Full 4 hours) with The Daytrading Room
Price Action and Orderflow Course with Young Tilopa
Research And Trade Like The Pros with Lex Van Dam & James Helliwell
Trading Strategies for Capital Markets with Joseph Benning
VSA Advanced Mentorship Course
The Naked Eye: Raw Data Analytics with Edgar Torres - Raw Data Analytics
CarterFX Membership with Duran Carter
Wave Trading Masterclass: Elliott's Wave Theory/Fibonacci Principles with Wave Trader
Trading Straddles, Strangles, Long Gamma, VXX & UVXY with Option Pit
The Orderflows Trade Opportunities Encyclopedia with Michael Valtos
All About Stock Market Strategies: The Easy Way To Get Started (All About Series) with David Brown
USDX Trading Course with Jared Martinez - MTI
Crypto Trading Academy with Cheeky Investor - Aussie Day Trader
Advanced Spread Trading with Guy Bower - MasterClass Trader
Monetary Mechanics Course 2024 with The Macro Compass
Point And Figure Part III By Bruce Fraser & Roman Bogomazov - Wyckoff Analytics
Deep Dive Butterfly Trading Strategy Class with SJG Trades
Wealthpress Jump Trade Package (Course Only, None-elert)
Warrior Trading: Inside the Mind of an Elite Currency Trader with Clifford Bennett
Forex Mastermind with FOREX4NOOBS
Advanced Price Action Course with Chris Capre
War Room Technicals Vol. 4 with Pat Mitchell – Trick Trades
The Market Geometry Basic Seminar DVD with Market Geometry
Stock Patterns for DayTrading. Home Study Course
Advanced Ichimoku Kinkō Hyō - Ichimoku Cloud Strategy with Rafał Zuchowicz - TopMasterTrader
Scalp Strategy and Flipping Small Accounts with Opes Trading Group
Demystifying Fed's Monetary Policy
Seller Specialist Program with Chris Prefontaine
Modeling Financial Markets. Using Visual Basic Net & Databases To Create Pricing Trading & Risk Management Models
Bond Market Course with The Macro Compass
Trading Systems Explained with Martin Pring
Short Swing Trading v6.0 with David Smith
Alfred White’s Rules of Planetary Pictures with Witte, Rudolph, Lefeldt
Confessions of a Pit Trader 2003 with Rick Burgess
Jack Corsellis Bundle 2021 Full Course with Jack Corsellis
Essentials Of Payroll Management & Accounting with Steven M.Bragg
Butterfly and Condor Workshop with Aeromir
Channels & Cycles. A Tribute to J.M.Hurst with Brian J.Millard
YouAreTheIndicator Online Course 1.0
Trading with the Gods Fibonacci Series with Alan Oliver
SQX Mentorship with Tip Toe Hippo
Master Trader Technical Strategies with Greg Capra - Master Trader
Binary Defender
The Hidden Order Within Stock Prices with Clay Allen
Tradeguider - Wyckoff VSA eBook Collection
Complete Trading Bundle with AAA Quants
Charting the Major Forex Pairs: Focus on Major Currencies with James Bickford
Trading Options for Dummies with George Fontanills
What Ranks Schema Course with Clint Butler
Daryl Guppy Tutorials In Technical Analysis (2000-2001-2003-2004)
Monthly Cash Flow Trading Options (Intermediate Option Trading Course) with Randy Perez
Triple Squeeze Indicator TOS
Bullseye Trading Course with Ralph Garcia
The Motley Fool Million Dollar Portfolio: How to Build and Grow a Panic-Proof Investment Portfolio with David Gardner & Tom Gardner
The Stock Selector System with Michael Sheimo
The Vol.T Volume-Tick Indicator Package
30 Trading Classics with 3T Live
Constellation Software
Video Bundle - 4d & "Into The Abyss" with Blackrabbitfx
Candlestick & Pivot Point Strategies with John L.Person
A Convicted Stock Manipulators Guide to Investing with Marino Specogna
ART Online 4 Weeks Home Study Course with Bennett McDowell
The Fx220 1 on 1 Mentoring Program
Daily Price Action
The Vest Pocket CFO (3rd Ed) with Jae Shim
AstroFibonacci 7.3722 magisociety
Trading Trend Pullbacks - 3-Step Technical Analysis Method with Richard Deutsch
The Thirty-Second Jewel in PDF with Constance Brown
The Ultimate Coach's Corner Forex Video Library with Vic Noble & Darko Ali
Altcoin Investing Course with Rekt Capital
Compound Stock Earnings Master Class 2009 Ft Worth Tx September 12 13 DVD set
The Price Action Manual, 2nd Ed 2008 with Bryce Gilmore
The Next Great Bull Market with Matthew McCall
The TradingKey Mastering Elliott Wave with Hubb Financial
Mechanising Some of the World’s Classic Trading Systems with Murray Ruggiero
Beginner Boot Camp with Optionpit
Come Into My Trading Room: A Complete Guide to Trading with Alexander Elder
Master Fibonacci, Symmetry & Consistent Profitable Trading with Day Trading Zones
Pristine - Trading the Pristine Method 2
WEBINAR series 5 – EXECUTION: A DETAILED PROCESS with FuturesTrader71
Advanced Risk Reversals and Rolling Thunder with Stratagem Trade
The Orderflow Masterclass with PrimeTrading
Newtonian Trading Strategy Video Course with Fractal Flow Pro
Optionpit - Mastering Iron Condors and Butterflies
Top Futures Day Trading Course DVD
Market Energy Trader with Top Trade Tools
Day Trading with Lines in the Sky By R.L.Muehlberg
Tracking & Kalman Filtering Made Easy with Eli Brookner
Gannline. Total School Package
Darvas Trading WorkBook
Trade Execution with Yuri Shramenko
Learn Before you Loose
Lepus Proprietary Trading with Richard Jackson
Symmetry Wave Theory with Michael Gur
Part-Time Day Trading Courses
How to Trade Forex & Cryptocurrency with Bitraged
Trade The Price Action with Thomas Wood (Valuecharts)
The Complete Guide to Multiple Time Frame Analysis & Reading Price Action with Aiman Almansoori
The Options Handbook with Bernie Schaeffer
Algo Trading Strategies 2017 with Autotrading Academy
Four Steps to Trading Economic Indicators
Trading Price Action Trading Ranges (Kindle) with Al Brooks
Price Action Trading Volume 3 with Fractal Flow Pro
Read The Market RTM Master Trader Course + Journals
The Wizard Training Course with Mitch King
Orderflows - The Imbalance Course
Forex Trading Advice & Intro to The Natural Flow
Forex Millionaire Course with Willis University
The TLM Playbook 2022 with Trade Like Mike
Street Smarts & TS Code with Larry Connors & Linda Bradford Rashcke
The Ones That know
Pristine - Dan Gibby – Mastering Breakouts & Breakdowns
How To Win 97% Of Your Options Trader with Jeff Tompkins
Complete Day Trading Course with The Trading Floor
Trade with Precision Price Action Course Silver+Bronze By Nick McDonald
ICT Prodigy Trading Course – $650K in Payouts with Alex Solignani
Investment Mathematics with Andrew Adams
Options University - FX Technical Analysis
One Week S&P Workshop II with Linda Raschke
The Stock Rocket Trading System with Dave Wooding
Best Trading Set Ups Playbook with Stacey Burke Trading
Intermediate Weekly Calendars
Learn To Trade Earnings with Dan Sheridan
Mastering the Complex Sale: How to Compete and Win When the Stakes are High! with Jeff Thull
All Weather Butterfly Program - A Deep Dive With Dan Sheridan
Triple Your Trading Profits Couse with David Jenyns
Price Action Room - The Scalper’s Boot Camp
W.O.W. Guaranteed Income with Chuck Hughes
The Intelligent Investor (Audio Book) with Benjamin Graham
Volume Breakout Indicator
How To Read The Market Professionally with TradeSmart
MATS Market Auction Trading System with Ryan Watts
Developing Profitable Systems from Discretionary to Mechanical with Fred Shutzman
Online Investing Hacks with Bonnie Biafore
Advanced Forex Trading Momentum vs Reversals with Indicators Webinar - Mark Whistler
How Charts Can Help You in the Stock Market with William Jiller
Trident. A Trading Strategy with Charles L.Lindsay
Volume Profile Trading Strategy with Critical Trading
W. D Gann 's Square Of 9 Applied To Modern Markets with Sean Avidar - Hexatrade350
Analysis Of Entry Signals (Technicals) with Joe Marwood
TRADING NFX Course with Andrew NFX
Yes You Can Time the Market! with Ben Stein
Forecast 2024 Clarification with Larry Williams
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.