TTM Squeeze Strategy for ThinkOrSwim
Master the TTM Squeeze with our complete course, free ThinkScript indicators, backtesting tools, and 130+ tutorial videos. Find explosive breakouts before they happen.
What is the TTM Squeeze?
The TTM Squeeze, created by John Carter, is a volatility and momentum indicator that identifies when Bollinger Bands contract inside Keltner Channels. This "squeeze" condition signals that volatility is compressing and price is likely to make an explosive move when the bands expand.
How It Works
The indicator has two main components:
- Squeeze Dots — Red dots appear when Bollinger Bands are inside Keltner Channels (squeeze is "on"). Green dots appear when bands expand outside (squeeze "fires"). This signals the transition from low to high volatility.
- Momentum Histogram — Shows the direction and strength of momentum. Rising bars above zero suggest bullish momentum; falling bars below zero suggest bearish momentum.
Key Trading Signals
- Red dots → Green dots + Rising histogram = Bullish breakout signal
- Red dots → Green dots + Falling histogram = Bearish breakout signal
- Multiple timeframe squeeze alignment = Strongest setups
- Consecutive red dots (5+) often precede larger moves
- Triple Squeeze adds black and yellow dots for "hidden" squeeze detection
TTM Squeeze Tutorials
Learn to build custom squeeze indicators, backtesters, and dashboards for ThinkOrSwim.
Free TTM Squeeze Indicators
Download our free ThinkScript indicators to enhance your squeeze trading. Each indicator includes a step-by-step video tutorial.
Trend Squeeze Indicator
Identify the best squeeze setups in trending markets. Combines squeeze detection with trend analysis for higher probability trades.
Download Free →TTM Squeeze Dots Scan
Find five consecutive squeeze dots (red, black, yellow) combined with stacked moving averages. Bullish and bearish scans included.
Download Free →TTM Squeeze Histogram Backtester
Test whether the squeeze histogram is effective for timing momentum shifts. Full backtesting with performance metrics.
Download Free →Scanner Videos
TTM Squeeze Backtest Results
We've backtested hundreds of squeeze setups across different symbols and timeframes. The data reveals which setups consistently produce winning trades — and which to avoid.
Key Findings from 630+ Backtests
- Some setups achieve 88-92% win rates over 20+ years
- Exit strategy matters more than entry — avoid common exit mistakes
- Weekly timeframe squeezes tend to produce larger, more reliable moves
- Multi-timeframe alignment significantly improves results
Backtest Videos
TTM Squeeze Trade Examples
Watch real squeeze setups and how they played out in MSFT, AMZN, NVDA, and more.
TTM Squeeze Mastery Course
The complete 19-module video course to master TTM Squeeze trading. Build your own indicators, backtesters, scans, and dashboards from scratch in ThinkOrSwim.
TTM Squeeze Basics
Triple Pro Squeeze
Triple Pro Squeeze Backtester
Triple Pro Squeeze Scans
Triple Pro Squeeze Dashboard
Squeeze Signals Indicator
Bringing It All Together
MTF Squeeze Histogram
MTF Triple Squeeze
Slingshot Squeeze
Slingshot Squeeze Scans
Slingshot Squeeze Backtester
Slingshot Backtester Stats
Squeeze Signals Backtester
Triple Squeeze Dashboard
Squeeze Histogram Backtester
Five Squeeze Dots Scan
Multi-Market Squeeze Analyzer
Multi-Market Trend Analyzer
Included free with Volatility Box membership
TTM Squeeze Trading Tools
Everything you need to trade squeezes — from free indicators to professional backtesting.
Squeeze Course
19-module video course with 15+ downloadable tools. Build indicators, backtesters, scans, and dashboards.
View Course →TTM Squeeze Backtester
Test squeeze strategies on any symbol with 20+ years of data. See win rates, avg returns, and optimal settings.
View Backtester →Free Squeeze Tools
Trend Squeeze indicator, TTM Squeeze Dots scan, and Histogram Backtester. All free with video tutorials.
Browse Free Tools →Frequently Asked Questions
The TTM Squeeze, created by John Carter, identifies when Bollinger Bands move inside Keltner Channels, signaling a period of low volatility consolidation. When the bands expand back outside, it signals a potential explosive move. The indicator displays "squeeze dots" (red = squeeze on, green = squeeze off) and a momentum histogram showing direction.
Red dots indicate the squeeze is "on" (Bollinger Bands inside Keltner Channels). Green dots mean the squeeze has "fired" (bands expanding outside). The Triple Pro Squeeze adds black dots (medium squeeze) and yellow dots (loose squeeze) to catch additional consolidation patterns the standard indicator misses.
Daily and weekly timeframes tend to produce the most reliable squeeze signals for swing trading. For day trading, 30-minute and hourly charts work well. Using multiple timeframe analysis (checking daily, weekly, and monthly alignment) significantly improves win rates.
Wait for the squeeze dots to turn from red to green (squeeze firing). Enter in the direction of the momentum histogram - if bars are rising above zero, go long; if falling below zero, go short. Place stops at the opposite side of the consolidation range or use the squeeze low/high as your stop level.
Win rates vary significantly by symbol and timeframe. Our backtesting shows some setups achieve 88-92% win rates over 20+ years (like MSFT weekly squeeze), while others are less reliable. The key is using backtesting to identify WHERE the squeeze setup is currently working best.
ThinkOrSwim's Stock Hacker can scan for squeeze conditions. Look for stocks where the TTM_Squeeze indicator shows red dots (squeeze on) combined with momentum building in your preferred direction. Our free scans detect 5+ consecutive squeeze dots about to fire.
The standard TTM Squeeze only shows red dots when Bollinger Bands are completely inside Keltner Channels. The Triple Pro Squeeze adds two additional squeeze levels: black dots (Bollinger inside Keltner at 1.5x multiplier) and yellow dots (1.0x multiplier). These "hidden squeezes" often precede major moves.
Yes, ThinkOrSwim supports automated trading through conditional orders and strategies. You can set alerts when squeeze fires and momentum confirms direction, or build fully automated strategies. The Squeeze Course includes automated entry techniques with 88%+ historical win rates.
Start Trading TTM Squeeze Setups
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