The Monthly Timeframe: Ninja Tactics for Mastering Take Profit Orders
Think of Forex trading as a dance. It can be graceful, exhilarating, and, yes, a little unpredictable. When you’re analyzing the monthly timeframe, it’s like trying to master the moves for a slow, dramatic waltz—only here, you’re moving in sync with market trends that can last for weeks or even months. And let’s face it, when it comes to nailing take profit orders on a monthly scale, we’re talking about making moves that most traders wouldn’t even dare to dream of. But hey, that’s why you’re here—you’re aiming to be the Fred Astaire of Forex.
The Forgotten Art of Long-Term Profit Targets
Here’s a truth bomb: Most traders underestimate the monthly timeframe. They get all jittery when they think about holding a position for more than a few days. It’s like expecting to hit a home run after only three swings at bat—sometimes, you need patience. Take profit orders on the monthly chart require the type of composure and foresight that your average day-trader simply doesn’t have. But here’s where you stand apart: You’re willing to do the deep dive.
Using take profit orders on a monthly timeframe can give you a kind of clarity that’s almost meditative. Remember that one time you accidentally hit the sell button instead of buy, and you watched your trade spiral down like a plane in a bad movie scene? Well, the beauty of trading on the monthly chart is that the stakes don’t change that quickly—it’s more of a long, sweeping narrative. By embracing the long game, you gain access to hidden patterns that most of your competition is too impatient to see.
Mastering Take Profit Orders on the Monthly Timeframe
Let’s uncover a few key tactics that only the pros (and now you) are privy to.
- Leverage the Power of Multi-Timeframe Analysis
Think of this as your secret weapon. Picture the monthly timeframe as the big picture, the grand master plan, while the weekly and daily timeframes are your close-up shots. You’re not just placing your take profit orders blindly—you’re watching for confirmation. For example, let’s say you notice a resistance level on the monthly timeframe. You could use the weekly or daily charts to catch any pullbacks or breakouts. It’s like planning a road trip—you wouldn’t just hit the highway without checking local traffic first, right?
- Setting Realistic, Yet Ambitious Take Profit Levels
Most traders are like tourists trying to get a picture of the Mona Lisa without actually paying attention to its details—they rush in, snap a shot, and move on. Don’t be like them. Set your take profit levels at realistic points—meaning key Fibonacci extensions, previous major support/resistance levels, or round numbers. However, dare to be a little ambitious too—because the monthly chart has this amazing ability to move in your favor over time, potentially exceeding initial targets if you’re patient. The trick? Not moving that take profit order just because you’re feeling a little greedy.
Hidden Formula: Ride Trends, Avoid Whiplash
Another key idea is understanding the Average True Range (ATR) at the monthly level. By doing so, you gain insight into how far the market might realistically move within a month. Using this little-known insight can help you avoid setting take profit levels that are too close—saving you from a classic trader mistake. Think of it like measuring twice and cutting once. The monthly timeframe is a slow mover, but boy, when it moves, it makes sure to leave its mark.
Why Most Traders Get It Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It)
The biggest mistake traders make when trying to utilize the monthly timeframe is expecting instant results—and that’s just not how the game works. If you’re the kind of person who thinks buying a pair of shoes is a mistake if you don’t wear them immediately (I see you, sale shoppers), then monthly trading might seem a little overwhelming. But here’s where it gets interesting: the monthly timeframe gives you an edge precisely because it’s designed for patience, for seeing the forest instead of the trees.
To quote Mark Douglas, the author of “Trading in the Zone”: “The market is neutral. It doesn’t care whether you make money or not.” But here’s the beauty—the market doesn’t care, but you do. You have the discipline to hold out until your take profit target is hit, and that’s what sets you apart.
The One Simple Trick That Can Change Your Trading Mindset
Imagine using take profit orders as a way to force yourself to stay disciplined. It’s like setting aside that savings jar and refusing to touch it no matter how tempting it seems. Put your take profit order in place and make a vow—no adjustments, no “what ifs.” You’ll be surprised how much stress you save yourself when you take the emotions out of it. After all, have you ever tried to reason with yourself at 2 a.m. when a trade isn’t going well? It’s like trying to bargain with a toddler—logic just doesn’t hold up.
Real-World Case Study: A Classic Breakout Strategy
Consider a recent real-world example. In 2023, the EUR/USD exhibited a textbook breakout on the monthly chart, smashing through a multi-year resistance level at 1.1500. Many traders jumped ship too soon, fearing a false breakout, but those who set a longer-term take profit order targeting the next significant resistance at 1.1800 reaped the benefits—and then some. Those traders simply held on, confident in their analysis and trusting the monthly timeframe. It’s not rocket science; it’s patience and confidence in the strategy.
Using a Trend Following Indicator
If you’re all about following trends, consider using something like the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) on the monthly timeframe to determine when the trend is likely to continue. The MACD gives you that insider knowledge that helps you identify the best points to enter or exit, especially if you’re trying to find those ideal spots for take profit orders.
MACD crossovers on the monthly are like those magical “Aha!” moments when everything just clicks—like realizing you’ve been mispronouncing “quinoa” your whole life. You need to respect that signal because it can help you capitalize on the trend’s momentum over a longer timeframe.
Conquer the Monthly Chart
Ultimately, trading on the monthly timeframe is about seeing the bigger picture and giving your trades room to breathe. It’s less about micromanaging and more about being strategic—like planning a heist in a movie, where every detail needs to be just right before you move. When it comes to take profit orders, let the market work in your favor and learn to enjoy the journey.
Remember, Forex trading isn’t about instant gratification—it’s about making decisions that make future-you nod in satisfaction. So, place those take profit orders wisely, trust your strategy, and prepare to celebrate when your patience pays off in the form of some seriously sweet gains.
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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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