The Disciplined Traders Podcast - Master the Market. Build Wealth. Stay Disciplined

In today’s episode, Brian breaks down one of the biggest market shifts swing traders have seen in years: the end of Quantitative Tightening (QT). After three years of the Federal Reserve draining ~$95B/month from the financial system, liquidity is finally coming back — and this changes everything. Brian explains, in simple terms, how the end of QT affects volatility, trend formation, overnight risk, small-cap momentum, and the overall environment for 3–10-day swing trades. If you’ve been frustrated by stop-runs, fakeouts, and sloppy price action… this episode is your roadmap into a cleaner, calmer, more trend-friendly market.What You’ll Learn:Why the end of QT reduce those sudden, blindside market flushesHow increased liquidity stabilizes volatility and improves chart qualityWhy trends should start sticking again instead of reversing instantlyWhat the end of QT means for small caps, biotech, and the Russell 2000How overnight gap-down risk changes in a higher-liquidity environmentThe macro shift that makes swing trading feel more like 2020–2021 or 2023How to position yourself for a more “normal,” follow-through-driven marketReady to trade with clarity and confidence? Download the DTA A+ Swing Trade Checklist and make sure every setup meets your high-probability criteria. Stop guessing, start executing, and capture more clean swings.Download your free checklist here⬇️https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9If you found this episode valuable, share it with a trader who needs clarity. And make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next breakdown of the market environment.Follow Brian on X - @dtamethod

In this episode of the Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market podcast, host Brian Montes discusses identifying trade opportunities and emphasizes the importance of sector analysis. He uses Ralph Lauren as a case study to illustrate how to identify stocks gaining momentum in a choppy market. The conversation covers the significance of volume, the top-down trading strategy, and the necessity of being selective in trade choices. Brian also highlights the importance of maintaining a favorable risk-reward ratio in trading.Look for opportunities outside of common stocks.Sector analysis is crucial for swing trading.Not every trade will be a winner; patience is key.Winning trades should outpace losing trades in percentages.Utilize sector ETFs to guide trading decisions.Ralph Lauren serves as a strong example of a trade opportunity.Volume is a critical factor in confirming trade setups.Be selective in a choppy market to find viable trades.The holiday season typically boosts retail sector performance.Use the Discipline Trader Academy's checklist to improve your trading outcomes.If you found the episode valuable, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Have a question? Email Brian at brian.montes@icloud.comNeed the DTA A+ Swing Trade Set-Up Checklist? Download it for free -> https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9

In this episode of the DTA Podcast, we break down a proven strategy to accelerate your wealth-building:Using swing trading as a cash flow engine to fund a long-term dividend portfolio — the only true form of passive income.If you’ve been looking for a clear, sustainable path to financial freedom, this episode gives you the full blueprint.Why Swing Trading Is the Ideal Cash Flow GeneratorHow swing trading creates consistent short-term profitsWhy part-time traders can outperform with a rules-based systemThe role of risk management in long-term wealth buildingWhy swing trading works better than day trading for most peopleLearn the exact process for turning trading profits into long-term wealth:Trading account → Cash flow → Dividend portfolioHow to siphon profits without draining growthWhy most traders lose money by recycling profits into new risksThe concept of “graduating” money into long-term assetsWe unpack:The difference between passive income vs business income disguised as passive incomeWhy dividends are consistent, automated, and backed by real company cash flowThe compounding effect of dividend reinvestmentHow dividend income becomes a second paycheck over time A Step-by-Step Blueprint to Build Your SystemBuild a rules-based systemReinforce consistency and emotional disciplineSet up a monthly profit funnel into dividend ETFs or dividend-growth stocksTrack the compounding of your dividend income streamWe truly hope you enjoyed this episode. If this episode helped you understand the connection between swing trading and passive income, leave a review! It helps more traders find the show.Connect With UsX: @DTAMethodGet Your Free DTA A+ Set Up Checklist - https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Join DTA - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9

In this episode of the Disciplined Traders Academy Podcast, we break down today’s U.S. stock market sell-off and explore the key factors driving volatility. Whether you’re a swing trader, scalper, or long-term investor, understanding the forces behind market moves is essential for making disciplined, profitable trades.We cover:Major market moves: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, and the tech/AI sell-offPost-shutdown momentum fading and what it means for tradersFederal Reserve rate-cut expectations and their impact on growth stocksValuation pressure in AI and high-growth tech namesWhat to watch next: jobs, inflation, Fed signals, and earningsLearn how to position yourself strategically in volatile markets and capitalize on opportunities amid uncertainty.Tune in to trade with clarity, confidence, and discipline.If you are looking for daily clarity, elite prep, disciplined execution, and community accountability, join us in the Disciplined Traders Academy & Community - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9Need a framework to identify A+ set-ups? We have you covered! Download our FREE DTA A+ Set Up Checklist - https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. Even better, leave us a review and your feedback!

In this conversation, Brian Montes discusses the dual nature of reading charts in trading, emphasizing the blend of art and science. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between normal pullbacks and broken trends to protect capital and refine trading strategies.Key takeaways from this episode: Reading charts is part art.Understanding market trends is crucial for traders.Differentiating between pullbacks and broken trends is essential.Protecting capital should be a priority in trading.Improving trades requires a keen analysis of market movements.Asking the right questions can lead to better trading decisions.Recognizing a pause versus a trend reversal is key.Traders should continuously educate themselves on market dynamics.The emotional aspect of trading can influence decisions.Strategic thinking is vital for successful trading.Connect with Brian MontesIG - https://bit.ly/4hYNSMxDTA Academy & Community - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9Download your free DTA A+ Set-Up Checklist - https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9If you like our podcast, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Be sure to leave a review as well!

In this episode of the Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market podcast, host Brian Montes breaks down the powerful connection between inflation, hurdle rates, and the purchasing power of the dollar.Most people measure success by how much their portfolio or savings account grows — but few stop to ask: Is my money actually keeping up with inflation?Brian explains why understanding your personal hurdle rate — the minimum rate of return you need to maintain or grow real wealth — is the foundation of sound investing and business decision-making.You’ll learn how to calculate your hurdle rate, how inflation quietly erodes real returns, and how to position your money to stay ahead of the weakening dollar.Whether you’re a retail investor, entrepreneur, or financial professional, this episode gives you the mindset and math to make smarter, inflation-aware decisions.Key Topics CoveredWhat inflation really means for your purchasing powerThe hidden “inflation tax” on your savings and investmentsHow to calculate your personal hurdle rateWhy nominal returns can be deceiving — and real returns are what matterThe historical decline of the U.S. dollar’s valueHow to use hurdle rates to evaluate stocks, bonds, or business opportunities Connect with Brian MontesIG - https://bit.ly/4hYNSMxDisciplined Traders Academy - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9Download the FREE DTA A+ Trade Set-Up Checklist - https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9

Are you trading too much and losing more than you think? Discover the mental, financial, and emotional toll of overtrading—and how to protect your account.In this episode, Brian dives deep into the 7 hidden costs of overtrading that can quietly destroy your trading performance, confidence, and growth.Overtrading isn’t just about losing money—it affects your mental focus, decision-making, learning process, and even your time. If you’re struggling to stick to your trading plan or find yourself taking too many trades, this episode is a must-listen.Brian discusses: Mental Fatigue – How trading too much exhausts your brain and slows reaction times.Blurry Focus – Why scattered attention leads to missed signals and suboptimal trades.Lower Quality Decisions – How overtrading weakens judgment and breaks your rules.Drain of Capital – Small losses pile up quickly and erode your account.Lost Learning – Skipping journaling and trade reviews slows skill growth.Confidence Collapse – Taking unnecessary trades chips away at your self-belief.Time Theft – Why chasing lower-quality setups dilutes your system and steals precious time.By understanding these hidden costs, you can trade smarter, protect your capital, and improve your long-term performance.If you found this episode helpful, subscribe to the Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market podcast, leave a review, and share it with a fellow trader who might be overtrading without realizing it.Bonus! As promised, here is the link to the DTA A+ Trade SetUp Checklist - https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Ready to take your swing trading to a whole new level? Check out the Disciplined Traders Academy & Community - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9

In this episode, Brian Montes discusses the recent dramatic sell-off in the stock market, analyzing the factors that led to the decline and emphasizing the importance of having a solid trading system.He examines market sentiment, geopolitical risks, and the importance of position sizing and stop-losses in swing trading. The conversation provides valuable insights for new traders on how to navigate volatility and maintain discipline in their trading strategies.Brian discusses:The recent sell-off was triggered by geopolitical risks and overbought conditions.Market sentiment can shift rapidly, resulting in significant volatility.Having a trading system is crucial for managing risk during market downturns.Position sizing should remain consistent regardless of market conditions.Stop losses are essential for protecting against large losses.Taking profits along the way can help ensure overall trade profitability.It's important to step away from trading after a significant loss to regain perspective.Market internals were weak prior to the sell-off, indicating underlying issues.Gold and cryptocurrencies also reacted negatively to the market sell-off.Traders should remain disciplined and adhere to their trading systems during volatile periods.Ready to join a community of other like-minded traders? Check out the Disciplined Traders Academy & Community - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9Want access to our Free DTA A+ Trade Set-Up Checklist? Here you go! https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9

When a stock reaches all-time highs, most new traders hesitate — assuming it’s “too late” to enter.In this episode, Brian Montes breaks down a structured approach to analyzing breakout stocks, using volume confirmation, consolidation structure, relative strength, and the 1.618 Fibonacci Extension to identify sustainable upside potential.Learn how to move from emotion-based trading to structured technical analysis, so you can confidently trade in price discovery territory — where real market leaders are born.In this episode, we discuss -Why all-time highs signal strength, not exhaustion.How to confirm a breakout using volume analysis.Understanding pullbacks and retests for optimal entries.The role of relative strength in identifying market leaders.How to apply the Fibonacci Extension Tool to project price targets — including the 1.618 extension zone.Common mistakes traders make when analyzing breakouts.A real-world look at stocks like NVDA to see how new highs often lead to bigger moves.Technical Tools DiscussedVolume Profile & Breakout ConfirmationSupport/Resistance Flip (Retest Setup)Relative Strength LineFibonacci Extension Tool (1.0, 1.272, 1.618 levels)Trend Structure and Consolidation PatternsConnect with Brian Montes📸 Instagram: @disciplinedtradersacademy🌐 Website: https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9Download your FREE DTA A+ Set Up Checklist - https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a 5-star review!

Think a bull market is just one long, straight climb? Think again. 🐂 In this episode of the Disciplined Traders Academy Podcast, we break down why pullbacks and consolidation aren’t obstacles—they’re your secret weapons as a swing trader.You’ll discover:What pullbacks and consolidations really mean for your tradesWhy market pauses are essential for a healthy uptrendHow to time your entries for better risk-reward setupsTricks to validate trends before committing your capitalWhether you’re just starting out in swing trading or looking to refine your strategy, this episode shows you how to embrace the natural rhythm of the market instead of fighting it.Ready to start your journey to becoming a consistently profitable swing trader. Join us at The Disciplined Traders Academy and Community - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9Looking for a checklist to identify A+ set-ups? Download our free DTA A+ Set-ups checklist - https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Follow us on Instagram - @disciplinedtradersacademy

Quadruple Witching may sound mysterious, but it’s a very real event that impacts the stock market four times a year — on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December.In this episode of the Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market Podcast, we break down:What Quadruple Witching is and why it happensHow it impacts market volatility, volume, and price actionWhy swing traders often see false breakouts on these daysThe best way to prepare and trade around Quadruple WitchingYou’ll learn how to recognize when price action is driven by real market conviction versus derivative expirations and institutional repositioning. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with strategies to protect your swing trades and even find opportunities after the dust settles.If you’ve ever been confused by sudden spikes in volume or “fake moves” on certain Fridays, this episode will give you the clarity you need.👉 Subscribe to the DTA Podcast so you never miss an episode. https://apple.co/446R4hQ👉 Share this with another trader who needs to understand Quadruple Witching.Want a proven framework to identify high-quality swing trade setups? Download the DTA A+ Setup Checklist — your step-by-step guide to filtering out noise and only trading the best opportunities. https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9

Welcome to the first of a series of episodes designed to give you a foundation for swing trading. Are you new to trading and feeling overwhelmed by YouTube rabbit holes, endless indicators, and conflicting advice? In this episode of the Swing Trading Foundations Podcast, we break down exactly what swing trading is, why it’s perfect for part-time traders, and how to avoid the most common beginner mistakes.You’ll learn:✅ What swing trading is and how it compares to day trading and investing✅ The 3 pillars of successful swing trading: technical skills, risk management, and mindset✅ The biggest mistakes new traders make (and how to avoid them)✅ A simple roadmap to start trading with clarity and confidenceIf you’ve ever wondered how to start swing trading as a beginner, this episode will give you the exact foundation you need to begin your trading journey.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:📘 Join the waitlist for the Swing Trading Foundations Course → https://bit.ly/4pxjfRq📝 Free resource: The Disciplined Traders A+ SetUp Checklist -> https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9💬 Question - Email Brian at brian.montes@icloud.com

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important — and most ignored — parts of swing trading: position sizing. If you want to stay in the game long enough to actually win, you need to control your downside. That’s exactly what this episode is about.Why position sizing matters more than your stock picks.The 1–2% rule and how it protects your account.The difference between capital invested vs. risk taken.The exact formula you can use to size every trade.Common mistakes new traders make with position sizing. Example:Account size = $10,000Risk = 1% = $100Entry = $50Stop = $48Risk per share = $2Position Size = $100 ÷ $2 = 50 shares The Position Sizing Formula: Position Size = (Account Size × Risk %) ÷ (Entry Price – Stop Price)Every great swing trader has a process. The DTA A+ Swing Trading Checklist is the same one our community uses to keep trades disciplined, repeatable, and consistent. Grab your checklist and make it part of your routine.https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9

One of the most important skills every swing trader must master is identifying support and resistance levels. These levels show you exactly where price is likely to react, bounce, or stall—and that makes them critical for planning high-quality trades.In this episode of Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market, I’ll break down:✅ What support really means and how to spot it✅ How to recognize resistance and why it acts like a ceiling on price✅ The role of support and resistance in entries, exits, and stop placement✅ Simple techniques for marking key levels on your charts✅ Why support and resistance zones give you an edge over “random” tradesBy the end of this lesson, you’ll understand how to recognize these levels with confidence and use them to structure your swing trades more effectively.📥 Free Resource: Don’t forget to grab your free DTA A+ Swing Trade Checklist here → https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9

As a swing trader, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to trade from a set watchlist of stocks or to scan for new opportunities every day. Both strategies can be effective, but each has its own set of pros and cons that will influence how you approach the market.In this episode of "Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market," we break down the advantages and disadvantages of trading from a set watchlist versus scanning for new stock setups. You’ll learn how each method impacts your efficiency, confidence, and ability to catch the strongest moves in the market.Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode:✅ 4 key pros and 3 major cons of trading from a set watchlist✅ Why scanning for new swing trade opportunities can keep you aligned with market leadership✅ The hidden risks of relying too heavily on either method✅ A hybrid approach that combines the best of both strategies✅ How to decide which approach fits your trading style and personalityRegardless of which method you prefer, the most important aspect is adhering to high-quality A+ setups. That’s why we created the Disciplined Traders Academy A+ Set-Up Checklist. This free resource will help you filter out noise, avoid mediocre trades, and focus only on setups that give you the highest probability of success.👉 Download your free A+ Set-Up Checklist here: https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Whether you’re a brand-new trader building your first watchlist or a more experienced swing trader scanning the market nightly, this episode will give you the clarity you need to align your trading process with your goals.

Wondering, “Is this stock going up or down, and can I trust that move?” In this episode of Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market, we break down the fundamentals of trend recognition—one of the most important skills every swing trader must master.You’ll learn:How to identify uptrends, downtrends, and sideways rangesWhy recognizing higher highs and higher lows (or lower highs and lower lows) mattersHow to use trendlines and moving averages for trend confirmationSimple ways to avoid common trend misreads that cost traders moneyRecognizing trend strength can be the difference between riding a winning trade or getting chopped up in sideways action. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear process for identifying and confirming trends with confidence.📥 Free Download: Grab your A+ Swing Trade Setup Checklist now: https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Question: Email Brian at brian.montes@icloud.comReady to amplify your swing trading success? Join the Disciplined Traders Academy & Community - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9

If you’re serious about swing trading, you can’t afford to ignore what candlesticks and price bars are telling you. In this episode of Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market, we break down how to actually “read” candlesticks — so you can understand the ongoing battle between buyers and sellers, spot shifts in momentum, and make smarter trading decisions.📈 You’ll learn:What candlesticks and price bars really represent (beyond just green or red)The story of price action — who’s in control, buyers or sellersHow wick size, body size, and closing prices reveal momentum shiftsWhy certain candles signal indecision, reversals, or continuation patternsHow to use this information to anticipate market moves before they happenUnderstanding candlesticks is like learning a new language. Once you see what they’re telling you, trading decisions become clearer — and you’ll start noticing opportunities most traders overlook.👉 Free Resource: Download the DTA A+ Swing Trading Checklist to make sure you’re only focusing on the highest-probability trades: https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9Whether you’re brand new to trading or looking to sharpen your edge, this episode gives you a practical, no-fluff breakdown of candlestick reading that you can apply to your charts right away.Question? Email Brian at brian.montes@icloud.comReady to join a trading community? Check out the DTA Community - https://disciplinedtradersacademy.podia.com/https-brianmontespodiacom-https-brianmontespodiacom-community

If you’re new to swing trading and find stock charts confusing, this episode is for you. In this beginner-friendly breakdown, Brian Montes walks you through what a stock chart is, how to read one, and why understanding charts is essential for making confident, profitable trading decisions.You’ll learn:What a stock chart represents (price vs. time)Why swing traders rely on daily candlestick chartsThe difference between line, bar, and candlestick chartsHow volume helps confirm price movesWhy reading charts is a core skill for every successful swing traderBy the end of this episode, you’ll stop guessing—and start seeing stock charts as a powerful tool for identifying trade setups, timing entries, and managing exits. Key Takeaways:A stock chart is a visual map of price over time—it tells the story of buyer vs. seller behavior.Candlestick charts offer the most complete data for swing tradersEach candlestick shows the open, high, low, and close for a given periodVolume is critical for confirming the strength of price movementsLearning to read a chart is the foundation for identifying high-probability trade setupsFree Download:Grab your DTA A+ Swing Trading ChecklistLearn how to evaluate trade setups like a pro with this free, one-page checklist that helps you identify high-probability setups. 👉 DisciplinedTradersAcademy.com/checklistLet’s Connect:Do you have questions, or would you like to explore chart reading in more detail? Connect with Brian Montes and the Disciplined Traders Academy community:Email questions to brian.montes@icloud.comWebsite: www.DisciplinedTradersAcademy.comLeave a Review:If this episode helped you understand stock charts, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. It allows more traders to discover the show and build confidence in the markets.

Have you ever wondered if it’s even possible to swing trade while holding down a full-time job?In this episode of Learn to Swing Trade the Stock Market, host Brian Montes answers one of the most frequently asked questions by new and aspiring traders:"Can I start swing trading if I work 9 to 5?"The answer is YES — and in this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to make it work.You’ll discover:✅ Why reviewing charts after hours is the best time for swing trade planning✅ How to use buy stop and limit orders to automate your trade entries — even while you're working✅ How to manage risk with stop-loss orders so you never have to babysit a trade✅ The step-by-step routine that lets you trade part-time without compromising your careerWhether you're brand new to trading or looking to build a swing trading routine that fits your busy life, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to get started. Listen if you want to:Start swing trading without quitting your jobBuild a repeatable, low-stress trading processUse technology to automate your tradesLearn the fundamentals of trading while working full-time💡 Resources Mentioned:📥 Download the DTA A+ Set-Up Checklist → https://bit.ly/3Z0gWe9🎙️ Ready to join The Disciplined Traders Community - https://bit.ly/3Mm41N9📩 Have a question for Brian? Email at brian. montes and ask away!

You're not failing — you're just trading without a system.If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or like you’re “just not cut out for trading,” this episode will shift your mindset. Brian Montes breaks down why most new traders lose money (hint: it’s not because you’re not smart enough) and how building a simple, structured swing trading system can change everything.Whether you're a beginner or you’ve been trying to “figure it out” for months (or years), this is your wake-up call to stop winging it and start trading with purpose.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why losing trades don’t mean you’re failing — they’re feedbackThe six components every reliable swing trading system must haveHow a lack of structure leads to emotional, inconsistent tradingWhat happens when you finally build a system and stick to itA step-by-step process to create your system from scratch🔓 Free Download: T— The DTA A+ Trade Setup Checklist 💬 Join our trading and coaching community of disciplined swing traders at DisciplinedTradersAcademy.comEnjoying the Show?Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. It helps more traders find the podcast and trade with confidence, not chaos.