Opening Range Breakout

Open Range Breakout (ORB) – Trading Strategy Documentation

Definition:
The Open Range Breakout (ORB) is a short-term trading strategy that identifies the price range established during the initial period of market opening (typically the first 15 to 60 minutes) and uses the high and low of that range as key reference levels for potential breakout entries.

Components:

Open Range High: The highest price traded during the defined opening period.
Open Range Low: The lowest price traded during the same period.
Breakout Trigger: A price move above the Open Range High or below the Open Range Low, signaling potential continuation momentum.
How It Works:

Define the Opening Period: Select a time window (e.g., 30 minutes) at market open to establish the initial range.
Identify Range Boundaries: Record the high and low prices during this period.
Monitor for Breakout: Watch for price to break and close above the Open Range High (bullish breakout) or below the Open Range Low (bearish breakout).
Enter Trade: Enter long on a confirmed break above the Open Range High, or short on a break below the Open Range Low. Entry may be triggered on a retest of the broken level or with volume confirmation.
Set Stop-Loss and Target:
Stop-loss: Placed just inside the open range (e.g., below the high for long, above the low for short).
Profit target: Based on volatility (e.g., ATR multiple) or support/resistance levels.
Key Assumptions:

Early price action reflects initial market sentiment.
A breakout from this range indicates strong directional momentum likely to continue.
Best Conditions:

High liquidity markets (e.g., major indices, large-cap stocks).
Volatile or news-driven trading sessions.
Used primarily in intraday trading.
Limitations:

Prone to false breakouts during low-volume or choppy markets.
Requires strict risk management due to reliance on timing and confirmation.
Conclusion:
The ORB strategy capitalizes on early market momentum by trading breakouts from the initial price range. Its effectiveness depends on precise range definition, timely execution, and disciplined risk control.