Momentum scanner settings (Trade Ideas): a clean "running up" lane¶
People ask for "the best momentum scanner".
The truth: there isn't one magic scan. There is a lane that works when you keep it tight:
- liquidity (so it trades clean)
- participation (RVOL / volume)
- time-of-day (so you aren't scanning dead hours)
- one clear trigger (new high / expansion)
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Copy/paste momentum lane (the 80/20 settings)¶
This is the “clean running-up lane” recipe. Use it as a starting point.
Goal: catch real moves (liquid + in-play) and ignore random noise.
Settings table (what to set, and why)¶
| Gate | Suggested setting | Why it exists |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Trade what you actually trade (example: $5–$200) | Removes penny/noise names |
| Liquidity | Dollar volume / average volume floors | Prevents spreads + garbage fills |
| In-play | RVOL (relative volume) gate | Ensures participation (not dead tape) |
| Time of day | Run only when you can act | Momentum is regime-dependent |
| Trigger | Pick one: HOD / % change in X minutes / range expansion | One clear condition beats 10 half-conditions |
If you want the deeper explanation: - Guide: liquidity filters - Guide: relative volume - Time of day filter
Variant A — Open (fast, aggressive)¶
Use this when you trade the first 30–90 minutes. - Higher liquidity thresholds - Tight time window - Prefer HOD + range expansion triggers
Variant B — Midday (slower, selective)¶
Use this when volume is lower and you want fewer signals. - Stronger RVOL gate - Narrower universe (symbol list or higher volume floors) - Prefer clean break levels vs pure “% move”
Variant C — Power hour (late-day continuation)¶
Use this when you trade 3pm–close. - Time window only - Emphasize names that stayed in-play all day (consistent RVOL)
Trigger ideas (pick one)¶
You need one trigger, not ten:
- New high of day (HOD)
- Price change over X minutes
- Range expansion (breaks prior range + volume confirmation)
Use an Alert Window for the trigger, but keep a ranked list/top list as your context.
If you haven't built an Alert Window before: - Alert Window tutorial - Alert Window tips (reduce noise)
The workflow (so you don't chase)¶
This is the part most people skip:
1) Use a Top List to rank candidates (so you see the best names first) 2) Use one alert window as the trigger 3) Open the chart, check your plan, then trade (or skip)
Top List guide: - Top List Window (gap list + triage)
Common mistakes¶
- Scanning for "movement" without liquidity gates (leads to junk)
- Using RVOL with no spread/dollar-volume protection
- No time-of-day filter (scans garbage all day)
- Stacking alerts instead of tightening filters
If you're flooded: - Too many alerts troubleshooting
Backtest the lane (a concrete OddsMaker example)¶
Don’t “optimize” momentum scanners by feel. Run a quick backtest to answer two questions:
1) Signal density: how many trades/day are you really getting? 2) Junk rate: how often does the trigger fire and immediately fail?
A realistic first test: - Session: regular hours - Entry window: start with a window you can actually trade (example: 9:45 AM → 11:00 AM) - Lane: your base filters (price + liquidity + RVOL) + one trigger (HOD / range expansion)
In OddsMaker (“Backtest Strategy”), set the entry time window to match your intent:
Optional: add a simple “tape” regime filter¶
If momentum works great some days and is garbage on others, try a quick regime filter like S&P Change 30 Minute (%).
This isn’t about making the backtest pretty — it’s about reducing alerts on tape conditions you already avoid.
OddsMaker walkthrough: - OddsMaker backtesting