Renko Optimiser NinjaTrader Tutorial: Tick Charts + Time Charts for Scalping Congested Markets
Learn how to use the Renko Optimiser NinjaTrader to find optimal brick settings instantly. Discover why tick charts reveal true momentum and how combining them with time charts creates a powerful scalping setup for congested markets. Step-by-step tutorial for cleaner entries and better scalps.
00:20
Introduction to Renko Optimiser Ninja Trader 8 and Volume Point of Control
00:20
The speaker introduces Ninja Trader 8 with only the volume point of control indicator active, highlighting a strategic shift since before Christmas. They have moved most medium-term positions into cash due to unfavourable daily and weekly chart structures. While not holding positions for longer than intraday or a few days to weeks, they continue heavy intraday trading in highly volatile Russell 2000 stocks, characterised by high implied volatility and significant volume and options activity. Despite active short-term trading, they remain predominantly in cash for these stocks at present, with a different approach for longer-term investments.
02:06
Workspace with multiple charts and volume point of control
02:06
The speaker explains a workspace consisting of six charts displaying various time frames from 15 seconds to daily intervals. A yellow dashed line represents the volume point of control, which highlights key price levels where trading volume is concentrated. This indicator is consistent across multiple time frames and shows that the market is currently moving sideways. The speaker introduces the concept of trading in rangebound or congestion markets, noting that there are very few effective strategies for such conditions and promises to discuss one or two methods.
03:12
Volume point of control explained as balance of bulls and bears
03:12
The discussion focuses on the volume point of control, a visual indicator showing areas of high and low volume in the market. The volume point of control is represented by the yellow line, indicating the price level where the balance between buyers and sellers is equal, often referred to as fair value. At this point, there is no directional bias, and the price tends to oscillate around it. Movement away from this level typically requires increased volume or a catalyst to create momentum. Until then, the market remains rangebound.
04:21
Volume point of control across multiple time frames
04:21
The volume point of control (VPOC) provides insight into the histogram of volume across different time frames, such as 5-minute and 15-minute intervals. The VPOC varies with each time frame, offering critical information for trading decisions. When price oscillates around the VPOC on a shorter time frame like 5 minutes, a breakout to the upside can be anticipated if the price moves away from this level. On the 15-minute frame, key concepts include identifying low volume nodes and interpreting volume in a manner similar to price-based support and resistance. Essentially, volume levels, like price, create areas of support and resistance that traders can use to inform their strategies.
06:02
Volume-based support and resistance levels
06:02
The speaker explains that price often stalls when reaching high volume areas on a histogram because these regions represent significant orders acting as resistance or support. If the price breaks above such a high volume node, it can move more freely through low volume areas that act as less of a barrier. This concept is crucial for traders using volume profile indicators to anticipate price behavior in congested zones.
07:11
Price rarely moves straight through a high volume node without congestion; it typically oscillates or moves sideways due to the concentration of orders at these levels. Only major events or news tend to cause a sharp break through these zones. Traders on shorter time frames must be aware of these higher time frame volume levels since these act as strong support or resistance, influencing price action even on faster charts.
08:15
The dense volume region acts as resistance when approached from below and support when approached from above. Once price breaks beyond these high volume zones into areas of diminishing volume, it often faces less resistance, which is favorable for long trades. This interpretation of the Volume Point of Control (VPOC) and volume profile is applicable across all time frames, as demonstrated on a very short 15-second chart.
09:17
Indicators and volume nodes visible on slower time frames carry more significance than those on faster time frames. For example, a volume signal on a 5-minute chart outweighs one on a 1-minute chart. This hierarchy is important for all types of traders, whether scalping or swing trading. The Volume Point of Control remains a vital tool across various indices. The speaker also hints at discussing general trading strategies in these markets next.
10:16
Trading rangebound markets using fast time frames
10:16
Since the Trump announcement on October 10th, markets have been rangebound with difficult intraday oscillations, making trading challenging. The recommended approach to profit in such conditions is to scale down to faster time frames, such as 15- or 30-second charts, where trading opportunities appear regardless of slower time frame movements.
11:28
Trading on a 15-second time frame reveals how rangebound and difficult the market has become, with price oscillations lasting over half an hour—a long period for intraday trades. Using slower time frames like 5 minutes is ineffective as the market swings too much, increasing the risk of losses, especially from unexpected global events.
12:33
The speaker highlights the risk of insider trading, referencing large trades made shortly before a ceasefire announcement by Trump, illustrating the dangers of extended market exposure. This reinforces the advice to trade on very fast time frames to minimize exposure and capitalize on short-term opportunities.
13:36
Trading on fast time frames offers two benefits: it enables feasible short trades based on volume price analysis, and it reduces the risk associated with staying in trades too long in volatile markets. Long intraday trades on slower charts are no longer practical in the current environment.
14:04
The ‘rule of six’ is introduced as a guideline for trade duration: for a primary trading horizon like the 15-second chart, trades should last about 90 seconds on average. Longer trades may be warranted during strong trends, but staying in a position beyond a few minutes generally indicates a poor trade. This rule also scales to longer time frames like 5-minute charts.
15:32
The current market is very spiky and rangebound, which demands trading on faster time frames for intraday trading success. If traders are uncomfortable with this fast pace, they should refrain from trading and wait for a significant market move. Options strategies can be used to benefit from sideways markets but are not discussed in detail here.
16:22
The speaker advises that if one is not comfortable trading on fast time frames in the current stagnant market, it is better to sit out and wait for a major breakdown or strong bearish move. Such a move would bring volume and trend, ending the tedious sideways action and allowing for more straightforward trading opportunities.
16:50
Using Reno charts to reveal momentum
16:50
The speaker introduces the Renko chart as an alternative to time-based charts, highlighting its ability to reveal momentum. Renko charts use brick sizes based on price movement rather than time intervals, which allows them to capture market momentum more effectively. Different brick sizes correspond to various point values on the ES futures contract, and these settings are matched to specific time frames for multi-timeframe analysis.
18:25
Renko charts build bricks independent of time, reflecting market speed and volatility changes clearly by showing trends without the noise of price spikes or wicks. This makes it easier to identify market momentum and trend development compared to conventional time-based charts. The speaker combines Renko charts with volume price analysis (VPA) to enhance trade decision-making.
20:01
The speaker explains that Renko chart settings must be adjusted to each instrument’s unique characteristics and market conditions, as these settings change throughout the trading day. To stay in sync with the market, traders need to adapt the brick size dynamically. To facilitate this, the speaker uses a Renko optimizer tool available on Ninja Trader, which automatically calculates the appropriate brick size for different time frames.
21:25
Demonstrating the Renko optimizer, the speaker shows how it adjusts brick sizes for the 15-second, 30-second, and 1-minute time frames, with brick sizes increasing to reflect market conditions. Larger bricks correspond to bigger price movements and require greater margin, particularly when trading the full ES futures contract, which is a substantial financial instrument.
22:20
The speaker mentions alternative smaller contracts like MEES, MNQ, and MYM that replicate index movements with lower margin requirements. Additionally, they describe using a trend monitor and trend dots indicators to track price action and trend changes. These tools provide different sensitivities to price movement, helping traders identify phases like congestion and support or resistance levels in the market.
23:15
Trend indicators and volume price analysis integration
23:15
The speaker explains how multiple trend indicators are used to assess market movement. They describe pressing down on price levels, with trend monitors shifting colors to indicate bearish momentum. The trend dots across different time frames transition from bullish (blue) to neutral (gray) to bearish (red), showing a gradual downward trend. The slowest time frame confirms this movement, suggesting a consistent downward pressure. Additionally, Volume Price Analysis (VPA) reveals buying activity beneath the current price, indicating a potential bounce is forming despite the downward trend.
24:26
The presenter highlights the synergy of combining VPA with the Renko chart approach to detect market congestion and identify safe, structured trading opportunities. The VPA signals buying interest first, which is then confirmed on the Renko chart, allowing traders to anticipate a bounce. This blended method reduces guesswork and gambling by providing clear indicators across different timeframes and techniques, particularly effective for capturing small but reliable market moves.
25:00
Promotional offers and educational packages
25:00
The speaker discusses a current promotional offer of 20% off on education programs available at quantumtradingeducation.com using the code LS20%. For those interested in indicators, a 20% discount is also available by emailing help@quantumtrading.com to receive customized discount codes based on the desired indicators and platforms. The discount applies to full bundles or specific bundles but excludes coaching services, which are available on Anna’s site. Additionally, the VPA Essentials package, which includes indicators like VPO, VRSI, and VWAP, is available across platforms such as TradingView, NinjaTrader, MT4, and MT5. The session concludes with thanks and a note that they will return next week.
By Anna Coulling – creator of volume price analysis
Ready to Master Stock Trading with Volume Price Analysis?
Join The Complete Stock Trading & Investing Program by Anna Coulling and unlock professional-level insights. Learn to spot institutional accumulation, avoid traps, and build consistent strategies using VPA. Lifetime access, Quantum indicators, and real-market examples—transform your investing today!
By Anna Coulling – creator of volume price analysis
Ready to Master Forex Trading with Volume Price Analysis?
Join The Complete Forex Trading Program by Anna Coulling and unlock professional-level insights. Learn relational strength, spot momentum shifts, and build consistent strategies using VPA. Lifetime access, Quantum indicators, and real-market examples—transform your forex trading today!
Copyright © 2026 | Anna Coulling Blog | Terms and Conditions | Privacy | Risk Disclaimer