The TD Sequential Ultimate MetaTrader indicator is a comprehensive technical analysis tool built on the renowned TD Sequential methodology developed by legendary analyst Tom DeMark. This advanced indicator delivers precise trading signals through multiple components: buy and sell setups, perfect setup identification, buy and sell countdowns (including failed 13-count attempts), and dynamic TDST (Tom DeMark Support and Resistance) levels. Unlike many other implementations, this version introduces performance and accuracy enhancements that make it ideal for real-time trading across various timeframes and instruments.
Designed for both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the indicator operates independently—without relying on external tools or additional indicators—making it efficient, reliable, and developer-friendly.
What Is TD Sequential?
TD Sequential is a powerful price-based timing model created by Tom DeMark to identify potential trend exhaustion and reversal points in financial markets. It functions on three core principles:
- Buy/Sell Setup: A sequence of nine consecutive candles that meet specific criteria, signaling an emerging trend or momentum.
- Perfect Setup: An optional refinement indicating higher probability of trend pause or reversal.
- Buy/Sell Countdown: A follow-up 13-candle process that often coincides with trend termination points.
Additionally, this indicator integrates TDST (Tom DeMark Support and Resistance) levels—derived from completed setups—which serve as dynamic support and resistance zones. These levels are highly effective when used alongside the setup and countdown signals.
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Understanding these concepts can significantly enhance your ability to time entries and exits in forex, stocks, commodities, and crypto markets.
Key Features & Improvements
This implementation goes beyond basic TD Sequential logic with several key optimizations:
- Efficient Recalculation: Only recalculates necessary candles, improving speed—especially on lower timeframes like M1 or M5.
- Pixel-Accurate Labeling: Automatically adjusts label positioning based on chart scale and font size using pixel-to-price ratio calculations, ensuring clean, non-overlapping displays across all devices.
- Strict Rule Compliance: Fully adheres to original Tom DeMark rules—for example, countdown candles don’t require causality, but "count-to-9" must complete before a perfect setup can appear.
- Developer-Friendly Buffers: All outputs are stored in accessible indicator buffers, enabling seamless integration into custom scripts, indicators, or Expert Advisors via the
iCustom()function. - Comprehensive Alert System: Built-in alerts triggered by setup completion, perfect setups, countdown milestones (e.g., count 13), or price breaking TDST levels—with options for pop-up, email, and mobile push notifications.
These features make the TD Sequential Ultimate not just a visual aid but a robust analytical engine for both manual and algorithmic trading strategies.
Input Parameters
Calculation Settings
- MaxBars (default = 1000): Limits the number of bars processed. Set to 0 to analyze all available data. Higher values increase accuracy but reduce performance.
Visual Customization
- BuySetupColor (default = clrLime): Color for buy setup numbers and perfect setup arrows.
- SellSetupColor (default = clrRed): Color for sell setup numbers and perfect setup arrows.
- CountdownColor (default = clrOrange): Color for countdown values.
- FontFace (default = "Verdana"): Font family used for on-chart text.
- FontSize (default = 12): Size of displayed numbers and labels.
- ArrowWidth (default = 2): Thickness of perfect setup arrows.
- PixelDistance (default = 3): Vertical spacing (in pixels) between count labels.
- Prefix (default = "TDS_"): Prefix for internal object naming on the chart.
Alert Configuration
- AlertOnSetup: Triggers when a buy/sell setup completes (i.e., reaches count 9).
- AlertOnPerfecting: Activates when a perfect setup arrow appears.
- AlertOnCount13: Sends alert at the 13th candle of a countdown.
- AlertOnSupportResistance: Alerts when price closes above resistance or below support.
- AlertNative: Enables desktop popup alerts.
- AlertEmail: Sends email alerts (requires MT4/MT5 email configuration under Tools > Options > Email).
- AlertNotification: Delivers push alerts to mobile devices (requires MetaQuotes ID setup under Tools > Options > Notifications).
How to Trade With TD Sequential Ultimate
Strategy 1: Reversal Confirmation at Countdown 13
One of the most reliable signals occurs when the countdown reaches 13, especially if it aligns with overbought/oversold conditions or key structural levels. A completed 13-count often marks the end of a trend, making it an excellent entry point for counter-trend trades.
For example:
- In an uptrend, once a full sell countdown hits 13, consider shorting with a stop above the recent high.
- Conversely, in a downtrend, a completed buy countdown suggests a potential long opportunity.
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Strategy 2: TDST + Perfect Setup Confluence
Another high-probability approach involves combining:
- A perfect buy/sell setup
- Price action near a TDST support/resistance level
- No close beyond that level
If price approaches TDST resistance and forms a perfect sell setup without closing above it, this increases the likelihood of rejection. Similarly, a perfect buy setup near TDST support—with no breakdown—can signal accumulation.
Strategy 3: Breakout Confirmation
When price closes beyond a TDST level, it may indicate a strong breakout. Use this as a momentum signal:
- Close below TDST support → potential continuation of downtrend
- Close above TDST resistance → bullish breakout confirmation
However, always confirm with volume (if available) or additional indicators like RSI or MACD to avoid false breakouts.
Indicator Buffers for Developers
The TD Sequential Ultimate exposes its data through standardized buffers, allowing integration into automated systems:
- Buffer #0: TDST Resistance level (price value; EMPTY_VALUE if inactive)
- Buffer #1: TDST Support level (price value; EMPTY_VALUE if inactive)
- Buffer #2: Buy/Sell Setup counter (positive for buy, negative for sell; 0 if none)
- Buffer #3: Countdown value (positive for buy countdown; negative for sell; 0 if inactive)
- Buffer #4: Perfect Setup flag (1.0 = buy perfect; -1.0 = sell perfect; 0 otherwise)
These buffers enable developers to build custom alerts, strategy testers, or composite indicators using iCustom() calls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use this indicator on any financial instrument?
A: Yes. The TD Sequential Ultimate works on forex pairs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies—any market with candlestick data.
Q: Does this indicator repaint?
A: No. Once a setup, countdown, or TDST level is plotted, it does not change or disappear unless invalidated by new price action according to DeMark’s rules.
Q: How accurate are the TDST support and resistance levels?
A: TDST levels are statistically derived from price structure and often align with key turning points. While not infallible, they provide meaningful reference zones when combined with other analysis.
Q: Is there a version for other platforms like TradingView?
A: This specific version is designed for MT4/MT5 only. However, similar logic can be coded for other platforms.
Q: Do I need other indicators to confirm signals?
A: While TD Sequential is powerful on its own, combining it with momentum oscillators (like RSI) or trend filters improves reliability and reduces false signals.
Q: Can I automate trades using this indicator?
A: Yes—via the buffer outputs. You can code an Expert Advisor that reads the buffer values and executes trades based on defined conditions.
Final Thoughts
The TD Sequential Ultimate stands out as one of the most accurate and well-coded implementations of Tom DeMark’s methodology. Its blend of precision timing, visual clarity, developer accessibility, and real-time alerts makes it a valuable asset for traders seeking an edge in volatile markets.
Whether you're analyzing forex pairs or crypto assets, integrating this indicator into your strategy can help you anticipate reversals, confirm breakouts, and improve trade timing—all grounded in proven technical principles.
👉 Access advanced trading tools that complement timing-based strategies like TD Sequential