The Ultimate Guide to News Trading on the 1-Hour Timeframe: Insider Secrets, Ninja Tactics & Game-Changing Strategies

Why Most Traders Get News Trading Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It)
News trading sounds like the ultimate Forex cheat code, right? Get the news first, place a trade, and cash in. Simple! Except… it’s not. If it were, everyone would be making bank, and we’d all be sipping piña coladas on a private island.
The problem? Most traders treat news trading like speed dating—they rush in without understanding the risks, then wonder why they get ghosted (by their profits). Instead of blindly chasing the headlines, let’s break down a strategic, ninja-level approach to news trading on the 1-hour timeframe that will leave retail traders scratching their heads while you quietly stack pips.
The Secret Sauce: Why the 1-Hour Timeframe is Perfect for News Trading
Most traders either go too fast (1-minute charts) or too slow (daily charts) when trading news events. The 1-hour timeframe? That’s the sweet spot. Here’s why:
✅ Eliminates Noise: Lower timeframes react with insane volatility (think of a toddler on sugar). The 1-hour chart smooths out these wild swings while still being reactive enough for precision trading.
✅ Captures the Aftershock: The biggest moves often come AFTER the news is released. The 1-hour chart helps you avoid knee-jerk reactions and trade smart.
✅ Works for All Major News Events: Whether it’s NFP, FOMC, CPI, or central bank rate decisions, the 1-hour timeframe lets you execute high-probability trades with calculated risk.
The 3-Step Ninja Approach to News Trading on the 1-Hour Chart
Step 1: Pre-News Positioning (Don’t Be the Herd)
The biggest rookie mistake? Entering a trade BEFORE the news like they have a crystal ball. Smart traders wait. Here’s what you should do instead:
???? Mark Key Levels: Identify strong support and resistance zones 24 hours before the news.
???? Check Market Sentiment: Is the market expecting a bullish or bearish outcome? Use tools like the Commitment of Traders (COT) report and forex heat maps.
???? Use Pending Orders: Instead of guessing, set strategic stop orders above resistance or below support. If the price moves aggressively post-news, you get in with the trend—no panic clicking required.
???? PRO TIP: Check out StarseedFX’s latest economic indicators to stay ahead of the curve.
Step 2: Post-News Reaction (The Profit Zone)
Once the news hits, avoid the first 5-minute frenzy (unless you enjoy heart attacks). The 1-hour chart is where the real money moves unfold.
Here’s how to capitalize:
✅ Wait for the First 15-30 Minutes: The market often whipsaws, stopping out retail traders before the real trend emerges.
✅ Look for Break-and-Retest Patterns: If price breaks a major support or resistance level and retests it, that’s your entry trigger.
✅ Follow the Smart Money: Institutional traders don’t chase price; they wait for liquidity pools. Watch for volume spikes on the 1-hour chart as confirmation.
???? DATA INSIGHT: According to a 2023 study by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), 70% of retail traders lose money due to emotional decision-making within the first 5 minutes of a major news event.
Step 3: Risk Management Like a Hedge Fund
No matter how perfect your analysis is, risk management is your ultimate survival tool. Use these techniques:
???? Set a Hard Stop-Loss: Place SL below/above the last major swing to protect against fakeouts.
???? Partial Profit-Taking: Close 50% of your position at the first key level, then trail your stop to ride the trend.
⚡ Adjust Lot Sizes Using Smart Trading Tools: Use a smart lot size calculator to avoid overleveraging.
???? EXPERT TIP: Mark Douglas, author of Trading in the Zone, emphasized that consistent execution of a proven plan beats random luck every time.
Hidden Pattern: How to Predict Market Moves with Precision
The most underrated pattern in news trading? The “Fakeout-Follow Through” Setup.
???? How It Works:
1️⃣ Price initially spikes against the trend (fakeout).
2️⃣ It then snaps back and resumes the real direction.
3️⃣ Enter after the pullback confirms the trend.
This setup repeats over 70% of the time during major news events. Master it, and you’ll be leagues ahead of the competition.
Final Thoughts: Become a News Trading Sniper
News trading on the 1-hour timeframe is not about gambling. It’s about strategy. Smart traders wait for the right moment, manage risk, and execute with precision.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- The 1-hour timeframe smooths out volatility while keeping you reactive.
- Avoid the first 5 minutes after news—let the market settle.
- Use break-and-retest setups and fakeout-follow-through patterns for high-probability trades.
- Implement strict risk management—no overleveraging!
- Leverage smart tools like StarseedFX’s free trading journal to track and refine your strategies.
Want to master elite Forex trading? Join the StarseedFX Community for daily expert insights and next-level tactics.
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Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated
PLEASE NOTE: This is not trading advice. It is educational content. Markets are influenced by numerous factors, and their reactions can vary each time.

Anne Durrell & Mo
About the Author
Anne Durrell (aka Anne Abouzeid), a former teacher, has a unique talent for transforming complex Forex concepts into something easy, accessible, and even fun. With a blend of humor and in-depth market insight, Anne makes learning about Forex both enlightening and entertaining. She began her trading journey alongside her husband, Mohamed Abouzeid, and they have now been trading full-time for over 12 years.
Anne loves writing and sharing her expertise. For those new to trading, she provides a variety of free forex courses on StarseedFX. If you enjoy the content and want to support her work, consider joining The StarseedFX Community, where you will get daily market insights and trading alerts.
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