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.

Deep Dive Butterfly Trading Strategy Class with SJG Trades
The Full EMA Strategy with King Of Forex
Advanced Trading Strategies with Larry Connors
White Phoenix’s The Smart (Money) Approach to Trading with Jayson Casper
Trading Techniques 2008 - One Day Workshop Manual
The Prop Trading Code with Brannigan Barrett - Axia Futures
Portfolio Optimization & Perfomance Analysis with Jean-Luc Prigent
The Indices Orderflow Masterclass with The Forex Scalpers
A Traders Astrological Almanac (2001 – 2006) with Jeanne Long
W. D Gann 's Square Of 9 Applied To Modern Markets with Sean Avidar - Hexatrade350
Trade Hot IPOs-The Promise Of The Future (IPO Course) with Dave Landry
Build A Career In Forex Trading - Learn Fundamental Analysis - Luciano Kelly & Learn Forex Mentor
Vega Modified Butterfly Class with Jay Bailey - Sheridan Options Mentoring
The Solar Guidance System with Ruth Miller & Iam Williams
Forecast 2024 Clarification with Larry Williams
Cumulative and Comparative TICK (Option TradeStation)
The Trading Blueprint with Brad Goh - The Trading Geek
Enhancing Technical Analysis with Planetary Price & Price Factors
International Mergers & Acquisitions Activity Since 1990 with Greg Gregoriou & Luc Renneboog
The Complete Value Investing Course (Updated 2019) with Wealthy Education
Matrix Spread Options Trading Course with Base Camp Trading
Crystal Ball Pack PLUS bonus Live Trade By Pat Mitchell - Trick Trades
Algo Trading Masterclass with Ali Casey - StatOasis
The Naked Eye: Raw Data Analytics with Edgar Torres - Raw Data Analytics
Bear Market Strategies eLearning Course - Kirk - Van Tharp Institute
The Orderflows Trade Opportunities Encyclopedia with Michael Valtos
TradeCraft: Your Path to Peak Performance Trading By Adam Grimes
Precise Exits & Entries with Charles LeBeau
Options Trading & Ultimate MasterClass With Tyrone Abela - FX Evolution
The Stock Market Crash of 1929 The End of Prosperity with Brenda Lange
Comfort Zone Investing: How to Tailor Your Portfolio for High Returns and Peace of Mind with Gillette Edmunds
Options Masterclass with WallStreet Trapper
Compass Trading System with Right Line Trading
Combo 4 New Courses From AmiBroker
Quantamentals - The Next Great Forefront Of Trading and Investing with Trading Markets
Applying Fibonacci Analysis to Price Action
Winning on Wall Street (Updated & Revised Ed.) with Martin Zweig
Beat the Bear with Jea Yu
0 DTE Options Trading Workshop with Aeromir Corporation
Ultimate Gann Course Coaching Safety in The Market COMPLETE 12 Modules with Aaron Lynch
TRADING NFX Course with Andrew NFX
Forex Trading Course. Turn $1,260 Into $12,300 In 30 Days with David Arena
Voodoo Lines Indicator
Candlesticks Re-Ignited Workshop
Intra-Day Trading Nasdaq Futures Class with Tony Rago - Theo Trade
Ultimate and Options Trading MasterClass Bundle with FX Evolution
Artificial Intelligence with Larry Pesavento
Scalp Strategy and Flipping Small Accounts with Opes Trading Group
The Top Tier Pro System Basic with Raghee Horner
Bond Market Course with The Macro Compass
Winning – Zodiacal Timing Revised 1980 with Joyce Wehrman
Trading Short TermSame Day Trades Sep 2023 with Dan Sheridan & Mark Fenton - Sheridan Options Mentoring
With All Odds Forex System I & II with Barry Thornton
Trading Double Diagonals in 2019 with Dan Sheridan - Sheridan Options Mentoring
Trading The Curran 3-Line Break Method A Professional Strategy For Daytrading The Eminis By Chris Curran
Seven Principles of Great Trading (Audio CD) By Van Tharp
Volume Profile Trading Strategy with Critical Trading
FX GOAT CURRENCIES COURSE 2.0
Trendline Mastery Video Course with Frank Paul & Peter Bain
Trading Psychology Masterclass with Jared Tendler - TraderLion
Dhia’s Journal 2022
Essentials in Quantitative Trading QT01 By HangukQuant's
BETT Strategy with TopTradeTools
Volatility Position Risk Management with Cynthia Kase
Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) with Brian Lee
Wave Trading Masterclass: Elliott's Wave Theory/Fibonacci Principles with Wave Trader
Instant Profits System with Bill Poulos
A14 Weekly Options Strategy Workshop 2023 with Amy Meissner - Aeromir
Module I - Foundation with FX MindShift
3 Day Live Trading Webinar (Jan 2010)
Trade for Life - 5 Day Trading Laboratory
Trading double Diagonals 2023 with Dan Sheridan - Sheridan Options Mentoring
Trading Signals And Training 100
The Orderflow Masterclass with PrimeTrading
The A14 Weekly Option Strategy Workshop with Amy Meissner
The Subtle Trap of Trading with Brian McAboy
Divergent swing trading
Breakout And Breakdown Strategies For Daytraders with Chris Tyler
Trading Connors VIX Reversals Tradestation Files with Laurence A. Connors & Gregory J. Che
Introduction To Advanced Options Trading 201
International Assignments with Linda K.Stroh
The Best Option Trading Course with David Jaffee - Best Stock Strategy
Options, Futures & Other Derivatives (6th Ed.)
Chart Reading Course with TraderSumo
7 DAY INTENSIVE ONLINE TRADER TRAINING PROGRAMME with The Trading Framework
Live Online Masterclass with XSPY Trader
Bodhi, Lighthouse, Truckin by Brian James Sklenka
Phantom Trading Course 2.0
Ultimate Trading Course with Dodgy's Dungeon
WyseTrade Trading Masterclass Course
The Stock Market Course with George Fontanills & Tom Gentile
Introduction to Macro Investing with Mike Singleton
You Don't Need No Stinkin' Stockbroker: Taking the Pulse of Your Investment Portfolio with Doug Cappiello & Steve Tanaka
XLT– Option Trading Course
Trading Floor Training
Volume Trader Course (SMART MONEY SYSTEM-in German)
Cycle Hunter Book 4 with Brian James Sklenka
Butterflies For Monthly Income 2016 with Dan Sheridan
VSTOPS ProTrader Strategy (Nov 2013)
Crypto Trading Academy with Cheeky Investor - Aussie Day Trader
Short Term Trading Strategies with Simon Harris
Cheatcode Trend System with Dominique Woodson
MTPredictor Education Video 10 Gb
High Probability Trading Using Elliott Wave And Fibonacci Analysis withVic Patel - Forex Training Group
New Generation Market Profile (May 2014)
Cybernetic Analysis for Stocks & Futures with John Ehlers
Day & Position Trading Using DiNapoli Levels with Joe Dinapoli & Merrick Okamoto
Mastering Trading Stress with Ari Kiev
Best of the Best: Collars with Amy Meissner & Scott Ruble
Winning with Options with Michael Thomsett
Yield Farming MasterClass Course (2022) with Boss Financial
Compound Stock Earnings Advanced Charting (Video 1.19 GB)
Complete Course (Lectures 1-6) - Selling Options for Profits with Rodrigo Santano - Top Trader Academy
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.