How to Spot ‘Liquidity Siphoning’ by Market Makers in Forex?

Last Updated on February 12, 2025 by Arif Chowdhury

Ever felt like the market’s playing tricks on you?

You’re in a trade, the setup looks solid, and then—bam!—the price whips around, taking out your stop loss.

You wonder, “What just happened?”

Welcome to the world of liquidity siphoning.

As a seasoned Forex trader since 2015, I’ve seen it all. I’ve watched the market makers do their dance, and trust me, knowing how to spot liquidity siphoning can save you a lot of headaches (and money).

Let’s break it down.

What is Liquidity Siphoning?

Liquidity siphoning refers to the tactics used by market makers to manipulate price movements, often to trigger stop losses and gather liquidity.

They create false movements, lure traders into positions, and then take the opposite direction.

Here’s how you can identify it:

Key Signs of Liquidity Siphoning

  1. Sudden Price Spikes
    Out of nowhere, the price jumps or drops significantly.
    These spikes often occur just before major news releases or at market open.
  2. Unusual Volume Patterns
    Watch for spikes in volume that don’t correlate with price movement.
    If you see high volume but no clear trend, be cautious.
  3. Stop Loss Hunts
    If the market often hits your stop loss before reversing, it might not be a coincidence.
    Market makers are looking for liquidity where they can fill their orders.
  4. Fake Breakouts
    A breakout that quickly reverses is a classic liquidity siphoning move.
    They lure traders into thinking the trend is continuing, only to pull the rug out.
  5. Consolidation Zones
    Extended periods of sideways movement can signal that the market is gathering liquidity.
    Once enough orders are placed, you’ll see a sudden move.

Why Does It Matter?

Understanding liquidity siphoning can empower your trading decisions.

It’s not just about avoiding losses; it’s about recognizing opportunities.

When you spot these patterns, you can align your trades with the market’s true direction.

My Journey with Forex Trading

In my journey, I’ve developed a unique trading strategy that focuses on technical analysis.

I’ve backtested my approach for over 20 years, ensuring solid performance even under harsh market conditions.

I’ve created a portfolio of 16 sophisticated trading bots that capitalize on these insights. Each bot is tailored for major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, and USD/JPY.

How My Trading Bots Help

These bots are designed to trade on H4 charts and aim for long-term gains of 200-350 pips.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

  • Diverse Algorithms: Each currency pair has 3-4 bots, minimizing correlated losses.
  • Robust Performance: They’ve been backtested extensively under various conditions.
  • Free Access: I’m offering this EA portfolio completely free! Yes, you read that right. You can start trading smarter without any upfront costs.

Choosing the Right Broker

Finding a reliable broker is crucial in this game.

The right broker can minimize slippage and ensure your trades execute smoothly.

Here are some of the top brokers I recommend:

  • FBS: Known for tight spreads starting from 0.7 pips and instant withdrawals.
  • XM: Offers zero costs with no swap fees and a minimum deposit of just $5.
  • TickMill: Provides quick execution and a welcome bonus—risk-free cash to start your trading journey.
  • FXTM: Award-winning broker with zero commission on trades.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding liquidity siphoning is about awareness.

Keep your eyes peeled for those telltale signs and adjust your strategies accordingly.

And remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

With my trading bots, you can take a hands-off approach while benefiting from a well-rounded trading strategy.

In the world of Forex, knowledge is power.

Stay alert, trade wisely, and let the market makers know you’re onto their game.