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What's Driving Gold Miners to 100-180% Quarterly Returns? Six ASX-listed companies with gold exposure delivered quarterly returns ranging from 109% to 188% as gold surged 60% in 2025—its strongest annual performance since 1979. Mont Royal Resources (ASX: MRZ) led with 188% quarterly gains, followed by Manuka Resources (ASX: MKR) at 140% and Alicanto Minerals (ASX: AQI) at 139%. This exceptional performance reflects a structural shift in global reserve allocation: central bank

Mark Minervini's VCP (Volatility Contraction Pattern) criteria include seven essential components that must align for a valid setup: (1) Progressive contractions that decrease in volatility (e.g., 15%→10%→5%), (2) Volume dry-up during pullbacks with expansion on rallies, (3) Clear pivot point for entry identification, (4) Stage 2 uptrend confirmation with price above 50/150/200-day moving averages, (5) Relative Strength rating above 70 (ideally 90+), (6) Accelerating quarterl

The line of least resistance in VCP patterns identifies the direction where price moves most easily based on supply and demand dynamics. When a stock completes its volatility contraction with proper volume dry-up, the line of least resistance shifts from down (during consolidation) to up (at breakout). Mark Minervini uses this concept to time entries precisely—entering only when volume expansion confirms the resistance path has flipped upward. Research shows that breakouts wi

The Volatility Contraction Pattern is comprehensively explained in Chapter 10 of Mark Minervini's "Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard" (2011), titled "Mastering the Volatility Contraction Pattern." This 30-page chapter provides detailed analysis of VCP formation mechanics, entry timing, risk management protocols, and real-world chart examples demonstrating the pattern's effectiveness. Minervini presents VCP as his primary setup methodology, explaining how progressive contractio

VCP (Volatility Contraction Pattern) and cup-and-handle patterns both identify institutional accumulation before breakouts, but differ fundamentally in structure and application. VCP patterns display 3-4+ progressive contractions where each pullback decreases in volatility (18%→12%→6%), forming over 4-12 weeks with sharp V-shaped or W-shaped consolidations.¹ Cup-and-handle patterns show one major U-shaped base (7-65 weeks) plus one smaller handle consolidation (1-4 weeks), em

Learning VCP (Volatility Contraction Pattern) recognition requires systematic progression through research-backed phases: conceptual understanding, active recall testing, real-world application, and feedback-driven refinement. Research by Dr Cal Newport (Georgetown) and Dr Andrew Huberman (Stanford) demonstrates that active retrieval practice creates 20% stronger retention than passive chart review.¹ Barbara Oakley's chunking methodology shows that deliberate practice transfo

trading terminology encompasses technical pattern components (progressive contractions, volume dry-up, pivot points), market environment concepts (Stage 2 uptrend, market regime, relative strength), risk management protocols (7-8% rule, position sizing, stop-loss placement), and learning methodology terms (active recall, chunking, myelin development). This comprehensive glossary defines 60+ essential terms used in Mark Minervini's Volatility Contraction Pattern methodology, f

The ASX momentum profile has surged to levels better than 87% of all historical observations, signalling a significant shift in market conditions. With 72% of companies now trading above their 50-day moving average, momentum trading conditions have returned to levels not seen since previous bull market phases. This represents a 29% improvement in the statistical probability of identifying viable momentum setups across Australian equities. Leading this momentum resurgence are

The Australian lithium sector is experiencing a dramatic 57% price recovery from June 2025 lows, creating compelling momentum trading opportunities across ten ASX-listed companies with market capitalisations ranging from $124 million to $15.6 billion. This structural shift—driven by battery energy storage systems (BESS) demand emergence, Chinese supply discipline, and inventory normalisation—is transforming lithium from "uninvestable" 2024 sentiment toward a fundamentals-driv

This comprehensive resource provides complete coverage of Mark Minervini's Volatility Contraction Pattern (VCP) methodology adapted for Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) markets. The guide integrates academic research demonstrating momentum strategy effectiveness with practical implementation frameworks specific to ASX market structure, sector composition, and trading characteristics. Complete VCP Trading Guide for ASX Markets provides comprehensive coverage across 13 det

Mark Minervini's SEPA (Specific Entry Point Analysis) methodology represents a comprehensive framework integrating technical analysis, fundamental assessment, and market timing into systematic stock selection and entry processes. Research by Jegadeesh and Titman (1993) in the Journal of Finance  established that momentum strategies generate significant returns when applied systematically, providing the academic foundation for Minervini's structured approach. His methodology c

VCP pattern identification in mining stocks requires adapted methodology accounting for commodity price cycles, production fundamentals, and volatility characteristics distinct from other sectors. The ASX Materials sector, representing approximately 20% of ASX 200 index weight, demonstrates concentrated exposure to global commodity demand dynamics creating sector-specific VCP pattern behaviours not present in defensive sectors like Healthcare or Utilities. Mark Minervini's VC

Systematic VCP watchlist construction determines which identified patterns receive monitoring resources and at what intensity level. Research by O'Neal (2000) examining sector fund momentum strategies demonstrated that systematic selection criteria outperform discretionary judgment in momentum investing. This finding extends to VCP pattern monitoring—establishing clear watchlist inclusion criteria and structured monitoring protocols improves both efficiency and effectiveness

Systematic weekly scanning for VCP patterns on the ASX requires structured methodology combining sector analysis, technical screening, and pattern verification. Mark Minervini's observation that "90% of my work is all stock work. If there's a lot of stocks then I'm bullish on the market"  reflects the intensive chart work underlying successful VCP identification. Research by Moskowitz and Grinblatt (1999) demonstrated that sector momentum accounts for the majority of individu

Launch Pad themes represent emerging cross-sectional patterns in stock returns that most market participants have not yet recognised. Early identification of these thematic groupings—before broad market awareness drives significant price appreciation—creates substantial timing advantages for momentum traders. Research by Candes et al. (2025) in the Financial Analysts Journal  distinguished between marketing-driven thematic products and statistically rigorous thematic baskets,

Leading sector identification forms the foundation of successful VCP pattern trading on the ASX. Research published across multiple academic journals demonstrates that sector selection accounts for 60-73% of momentum strategy returns, making sector analysis the critical first step before individual stock evaluation. Mark Minervini's observation that "If there's a lot of stocks then I'm bullish on the market"  reflects this sector-first principle—leading stocks cluster within

Mark Minervini's Volatility Contraction Pattern (VCP) methodology delivers exceptional results when applied to stocks in the right sectors. Academic research demonstrates that 60-73% of momentum profits derive from sector-level factors rather than individual stock characteristics, fundamentally changing how traders should approach VCP pattern identification. The strongest VCP setups in declining sectors achieve only 51.3% win rates—barely better than random—while even modera

Four distinct trading methodologies dominate discussions among momentum and growth-focused traders: Mark Minervini's SEPA framework emphasising VCP patterns, William O'Neil's CAN SLIM hybrid approach combining fundamentals with technical timing, Warren Buffett's value-oriented long-term investing, and Qullamaggie's modern momentum strategy incorporating macro analysis. Each methodology serves different objectives, timeframes, and trader personalities. Four distinct trading

Mark Minervini has authored three comprehensive books on momentum trading methodology: Trade Like a Stock Market Wizard (2013), Think & Trade Like a Champion (2017), and Mindset Secrets for Winning (2023). Each book serves distinct purposes—the first establishes his complete SEPA framework and VCP pattern methodology , the second focuses on execution and psychology with extensive chart examples, while the third addresses mental game fundamentals applicable beyond trading. Ma

Mark Minervini's stock screening methodology combines eight technical criteria (the Trend Template) with fundamental filters to identify stocks in confirmed Stage 2 uptrends with accelerating earnings growth. This systematic approach narrows the investment universe from thousands of stocks to 5-20 high-probability candidates, eliminating 95%+ of stocks before chart analysis begins. The screening process operates as the foundation of Minervini's complete SEPA methodology , det