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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the TradeAnon platform.

General​

What is TradeAnon?​

TradeAnon is a market analytics platform that aggregates data from institutional sources (FINRA, CFTC, Federal Reserve) and provides professional-grade analysis tools for active traders and portfolio managers.

Who is TradeAnon designed for?​

TradeAnon is designed for:

  • Active day traders and swing traders
  • Technical analysts
  • Options traders
  • Portfolio managers
  • Market analysts

The platform assumes familiarity with basic trading concepts and financial markets.

How often is data updated?​

Update frequency varies by data type:

  • Dark Pools: Daily (before market open)
  • Volatility: Daily (after market close)
  • Macro: Varies by economic series
  • COT: Weekly (Friday afternoon)
  • Real-Time Scanner: Continuous during pre-market hours

See Data Sources for complete details.

Account & Subscription​

What subscription tiers are available?​

TradeAnon offers three tiers:

  • Free: Limited access to core features
  • Pro: Full access to all analytical tools
  • Enterprise: Pro features plus portfolio integration and AI analysis

See Subscription Tiers for complete comparison.

How do I upgrade my subscription?​

Log in to your account, navigate to Account Settings, select "Subscription," and choose your desired tier. Upgrades take effect immediately.

Can I cancel my subscription?​

Yes. You can cancel anytime from your Account Settings. Access continues until the end of your billing period.

Dark Pool Data​

What is dark pool data and why does it matter?​

Dark pools are private trading venues where institutions trade large blocks without displaying their orders publicly. FINRA requires reporting of aggregated short volume from these venues. This data reveals institutional activity that isn't visible on public exchanges.

Does high short volume mean a stock will go down?​

Not necessarily. High short volume has multiple interpretations:

  • Market makers shorting to fill buy orders (bullish)
  • Hedging activity (neutral)
  • Directional short selling (bearish)

Context matters. Compare to historical patterns and combine with other indicators.

How delayed is dark pool data?​

Dark pool data is reported T+1 (one business day after the trade date). Data for Monday's trading is typically available Tuesday morning before market open.

COT Data​

What is COT data?​

Commitment of Traders (COT) data is published weekly by the CFTC showing how different categories of traders are positioned in futures markets. It reveals whether speculators are bullish or bearish on commodities, currencies, and financial futures.

How should I interpret extreme COT readings?​

Extreme positioning (high z-scores) often precedes reversals. When speculators are extremely long, they may be running out of buying power. When extremely short, they may be forced to cover. These contrarian signals work best when combined with price confirmation.

Why is COT data delayed?​

The CFTC reports positions as of Tuesday but doesn't publish until Friday—a 3-day lag. This is a regulatory reporting schedule, not a TradeAnon limitation.

Volatility​

What does VIX measure?​

VIX measures the market's expectation of 30-day forward volatility for the S&P 500, derived from option prices. It's often called the "fear gauge" because it tends to spike during market stress.

What is the volatility risk premium?​

The volatility risk premium (VRP) is the difference between implied volatility (VIX) and realized volatility. Historically, implied volatility exceeds realized volatility on average, meaning option sellers have an edge. When VRP is high, selling premium may be attractive; when VRP is negative (rare), buying protection may be attractive.

What does backwardation in VIX futures mean?​

Backwardation (front-month higher than back-month) indicates the market expects current high volatility to decrease. This typically occurs during market stress and can signal climactic conditions.

Trading Strategies​

What is an Episodic Pivot?​

An Episodic Pivot is a stock that gaps significantly higher on a fundamental catalyst (earnings, FDA approval, etc.) with volume confirmation. The strategy seeks to capture multi-day momentum following the catalyst.

How does the Webster Power Trend work?​

The Webster Power Trend identifies stocks in strong technical uptrends by requiring four conditions:

  1. Price above 21-day EMA for extended period
  2. 21-day EMA above 50-day SMA
  3. 50-day SMA rising
  4. Green candle on trigger day

When all conditions align, the trend is "active." It remains active until breached (two closes below 21 EMA).

Are these strategies guaranteed to make money?​

No. All trading strategies involve risk and past performance does not guarantee future results. TradeAnon provides tools and analysis; users must make their own trading decisions.

Real-Time Scanner​

When does the scanner activate?​

The scanner activates at 4:00 AM Eastern when pre-market trading begins and runs until market close.

What makes a "high score" gap?​

Scores are based on:

  • Gap magnitude
  • Volume confirmation (RVOL)
  • Resistance breaks
  • Market cap considerations
  • Relative strength

Higher scores indicate higher quality setups based on historical patterns.

Can I trade directly from the scanner?​

No. TradeAnon provides analysis only. To execute trades, use your brokerage platform.

Portfolio Risk (Enterprise)​

What brokerages are supported?​

Over 100 brokerages are supported including Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, Interactive Brokers, E*TRADE, Robinhood, and many more.

Is my brokerage login stored?​

No. TradeAnon uses OAuth-based authentication. We receive read-only access tokens, not your credentials. You can disconnect access anytime.

Can TradeAnon execute trades in my account?​

No. TradeAnon only has read-only access to view positions. We cannot place, modify, or cancel orders.

Technical​

What browsers are supported?​

TradeAnon supports modern versions of:

  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Safari
  • Edge

For best experience, keep your browser updated.

Is there a mobile app?​

TradeAnon is a responsive web application optimized for desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers. There is no native mobile app at this time.

How do I report a bug or request a feature?​

Contact support through the platform. Include details about what you observed, what you expected, and steps to reproduce if applicable.

Risk Disclaimer​

Is this investment advice?​

No. TradeAnon provides data, analysis, and educational content for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Users are responsible for their own trading decisions.

What are the risks?​

Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.