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Quick Answer: Stop hunts are when big players trigger your stops. The best indicators to pair with them are volume profile, order flow, and VWAP. They show where liquidity clusters. Use them to avoid fakeouts and trade smarter.
| Market | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Regulator | CFTC (futures) / SEC (securities) | Official |
| Prop firm model | Funded evaluations with profit split 70-95% | Vendor terms |
| Verification | Updated regularly | PropFirmDiscountApp |
| Best deal today | Code DISCOUNTAPP — up to 90% off | Updated regularly |
Volume profile plots traded volume at each price level. Stop hunts target areas with high volume because many stops sit there. Look for high volume nodes (HVN) and low volume nodes (LVN). Price often reverses at HVN after a fakeout. This indicator works best on NYSE and Nasdaq stocks. It is not perfect but gives you an edge.
Order flow tracks buying and selling pressure. Delta and cumulative delta show if big players are absorbing orders. A sudden spike in delta with price breaking a level often signals a stop hunt. Use footprint charts to see aggressive trades. This is a direct view of market intent.
VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) is a key reference for institutional traders. Price often tests VWAP before a stop hunt. If price breaks VWAP with low volume, it is likely a fakeout. Wait for volume confirmation. Many prop firms like FTMO and Topstep use VWAP in their evaluation rules.
RSI divergence is not perfect but can catch stop hunt reversals. When price makes a new low but RSI makes a higher low, expect a bounce. Combine with volume profile for higher accuracy. Do not rely on RSI alone. It is a lagging indicator.
No single indicator works every time. Pair volume profile with order flow for the best results. Use VWAP as a filter. Here are three tips: 1. Wait for a clear liquidity zone. 2. Confirm with delta divergence. 3. Avoid trading during news events. This reduces false signals.
| Indicator | Best Use | Lag | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Profile | Identify liquidity zones | Low | Medium |
| Order Flow | Spot aggressive moves | None | High |
| VWAP | Track institutional bias | Low | Low |
| RSI Divergence | Catch reversals | High | Low |
| Moving Averages | Trend direction | Medium | Low |
A stop hunt is when market makers push price to trigger stop losses, then reverse. It is a liquidity grab.
Volume profile and order flow are the best. They show where stops are clustered.
Place stops beyond obvious liquidity zones. Use wider stops or wait for confirmation.
Yes, as long as you follow their rules. FTMO does not ban specific indicators.
Yes, TradingView offers a basic volume profile indicator for free. Premium versions add more detail.
Stop hunts are part of trading. Use these indicators to survive them. Want a funded account? FTMO is a solid choice. Use code STOPHUNT20 for 20% off. Original $155, now $124. Click here: https://ftmo.com/stop-hunt-offer
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Risk warning: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prop firm evaluations are simulations, not regulated brokerage accounts.