Indicator-Free Trading: Reddit Insights & 2025 Research Methodologies

• Original Post
  : A user reports 6 years of profitable options day trading without MACD/RSI/VWAP, relying on volume, price action, order flow, and 3-4 familiar instruments, emphasizing patience and clean charts.
• Key Comments
  : codeartha asserts indicators lag price; hekatonkhairez uses product analysis (gains on RDDT, ARM, OPEN); Jimz2018 waits for clear opportunities (NVDA above $200); Aggravating-Elk-7409 notes options bid/ask spread issues.

2025 research identifies core indicator-free strategies:

• Naked Trading
  : Focuses on price movements, chart patterns, and market structure [1], [2].
• Order Flow
  : Uses DOM, footprint charts to interpret pressure [3], [5], [6].
• Risk Management
  : 1:2 risk-to-reward ratios and stop-losses are critical [2].

• Agreements
  : Both prioritize volume/price action/order flow and specialization.
• Contradictions
  : Reddit includes non-technical strategies (product analysis, tweets) not highlighted in research.
• Implications
  : Indicator-free trading is diverse, requiring deep market familiarity.

• Risks
  : Steep learning curve; options spread erosion; volatile non-technical strategies.
• Opportunities
  : Structured frameworks (naked trading, order flow) [2], [5]; specialization reduces complexity.