acuTRADE

The decision framework that manages a position across the entire lifecycle of a campaign: from initial entry, through add and scale points, to the final close. Built and evaluated on daily charts, it generally applies to equities in the $5B to $4T market cap range and to ETFs within a comparable AUM range. Serving as the core engine under the acuTREND umbrella, acuTRADE executes campaign actions (Buy, Short, AT/B-O, SP-O, CP-O), while acuPHASE, acuPRESSURE, TRENDweight, and TRENDindex function as the underlying diagnostic layer.

Buy

The event initiates a long campaign and establishes the baseline reference point for its headline return. Subsequent AT/B-O and SP-O activity is tracked independently and is not blended into this return.

Short

The event that initiates a short campaign: the bearish counterpart to a Buy. It establishes the baseline reference point for the short campaign’s headline return, with CP-O activity tracked independently.

T (Trigger)

The specific point where framework logic identifies a qualifying condition on a given bar. Because the bar’s open has already passed, the resulting execution rolls to the open of the next bar.

O (Open / Execution)

The actual execution (entry, add, scale, or cover) tied to a trigger. Every AT/B-O, SP-O, and CP-O marker represents a Trigger (T) followed by its corresponding Open Execution (O).

AT/B-O (Add to / Buy, Open-execution)

A qualified opportunity to add exposure within an active long campaign. It provides existing holders with a disciplined point to increase size or offers latecomers a defined entry point. Applies strictly to long positions. A new AT/B-O resets the SP-O scaling count back to Stage 1.

SP-O (Scale Partial, Open-execution)

A structured reduction of long exposure following a significant advance. SP-O triggers across three defined stages: 50% / 40% / 10%. Upon reaching the third stage, the sequence resets: a continued advance or a new AT/B-O restarts the count from Stage 1.

CP-O (Cover Partial, Open-execution)

The short-side counterpart to SP-O, reducing short exposure following a significant decline. CP-O triggers across three defined stages: 50% / 40% / 10%. Upon reaching the third stage, the sequence resets: a continued decline or a new Short restarts the count from Stage 1.

TP (Turning Point)

A discretionary indicator distinct from AT/B-O, SP-O, and CP-O. It is used at the discretion of the trader, often as an early overbought or oversold signal. While a notable portion of TPs occur near market tops or bottoms, acting on them is a personal choice separate from core framework guidance.

acuPHASE

A classification system mapping where a security sits in its market cycle across six distinct phases: Recovery, Accumulation, Bullish, Warning, Distribution, and Bearish. These phases represent a continuous lifecycle, strengthening through the buy side and eroding through the sell side.

acuPRESSURE

A volume and participation metric behind the prevailing trend, independent of price action. Expanding participation reflects growing conviction, whereas contracting participation signals weakening support. Blue bars highlight periods of significantly elevated buying or selling participation.

TRENDweight

A structural score ranging from +100 to -100 that measures price alignment with its underlying trend framework. Positive scores indicate bullish structure, while negative scores indicate bearish structure. TRENDweight can decline prior to a security shifting out of its current phase.

TRENDindex

A responsive, normalized measure of directional strength ranging from +20 to -20, calculated from trailing price movement. High readings reflect accelerating directional momentum, mid-range values reflect typical trend behavior, and extreme opposite readings often signal sideways consolidation.

Phase Names

Clear labels indicating the current stage of a market cycle: Recovery, Accumulation, Bullish, Warning, Distribution, Bearish.

ROI% (Return on Investment)

The percentage price changes from an established entry to a specified later date. ROI% reflects only the core Buy or Short entry and stands independently of any AT/B-O, SP-O, or CP-O adjustments.

Days Held

The total number of days elapsed between the entry date and the report’s “as of” date (or current date for active positions).

Points

The nominal dollar or index-point changes from entry to current value, serving as the raw input to calculate ROI%.

Position (Long / Short)

The directional bias of a trade: Long positions profit from rising prices, while Short positions profit from declining prices.

Decision

All readings, scores, and markers function as structured observations of active market conditions. Determining whether (and how) to act on these readings’ rests entirely with the individual trader or institution. This glossary is provided for educational purposes; acuTRADE identifies probabilities and conditions, while final decision-making remains with the user.