Disclaimer:
The features and tools demonstrated in this video reflect the TradeSmith platform as of the recording date. Please note that our software is continuously updated to enhance your experience. The current site may appear differently.
TradeSmith Walkthrough- Welcome to Trade360
Opening & Agenda:
Hi everyone, and welcome. My name is Kristin Magenst and I am one of your TradeSmith educators here. Today we’re going to focus on something that often gets overlooked — the market environment your portfolio is operating in.
At TradeSmith Finance, we spend a lot of time talking about individual strategies, position sizing, and exits. But none of that exists in a vacuum.
The goal of this session is not to predict where the market goes tomorrow. Instead, we’re going to focus on something much more useful: understanding where strength is building, where risk is rising, and how to stay aligned with what the market is actually doing.
Everything we’ll cover today lives inside the Markets tab in TradeSmith, and by the end of this session, you should feel comfortable using it as a daily/weekly check-in tool to guide your decisions.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The market outlook and participation
- Sector strength and rotation
- Commodities as risk and inflation signals
- Performance leaders and momentum
- How to tie it all together
Disclaimer:
Market Outlook: Participation Comes First
(Markets → Market Outlook)
We’ll start with the Market Outlook.
One of the biggest mistakes investors make is focusing only on index prices. At TradeSmith, we care much more about participation — how many stocks are actually behaving well under the surface.
The Fear & Greed gauge gives us a quick snapshot of market behavior.
Higher readings generally mean broader participation. Lower readings often mean leadership is narrowing and risk is increasing.
Next, look at the major indexes. What matters most here is not just whether the S&P 500 or Nasdaq is up or down, but the percentage of symbols in the green zone.
When participation is broad, trends tend to persist. When participation weakens, portfolios often experience more stop-outs and choppier results.
This is your first portfolio check. Before adjusting positions or adding exposure, ask: Is the market environment working with me or against me?
Sectors: Understanding Rotation & Exposure
(Markets → S&P Sectors)
Next, we move into S&P Sectors. This view helps answer a critical portfolio question: Where is money flowing right now?
Markets rotate. Capital moves from sector to sector — and when you understand that rotation, you can avoid being over-exposed to weakening areas.
Here, we can see long-term health, risk, and price positioning for each sector.
Sectors that remain in the green zone for extended periods are often providing tailwinds for the stocks inside them.
When we drill into a sector, we can see how many stocks are healthy, bullish, or in downtrends.
This is especially useful when re-optimizing a portfolio. If several stopped-out positions came from the same sector, that’s not random — it’s information.
You don’t need every sector to be strong. What matters is intentional exposure — making sure your capital is aligned with areas showing sustained health.
Commodities: Context, Not Trades
(Markets → Commodities)
Commodities give us another layer of context.
You don’t need to trade commodities to benefit from this data. At TradeSmith Finance, we use them primarily as signals, not recommendations.
Energy, metals, and agricultural products often reflect inflation pressure, global demand, and economic shifts.
Pay close attention to risk levels here. Commodities can be volatile, and rising risk often shows up here before it impacts equities.
If commodities are confirming strength we see in sectors and indexes, that adds confidence. When they diverge, it’s often a sign to stay cautious.
Performance Leaders: Market Behavior in Real Time
(Markets → Performance Leaders → Advances)
Now let’s look at Performance Leaders.
This list shows us where momentum is already concentrated. These stocks have made strong moves over the selected period.
This is not a list to chase. Instead, it tells us what the market is rewarding right now.
For TradeSmith Finance members, this view is especially useful for:
- Identifying themes
- Confirming sector strength
- Building watchlists for future opportunities
When leadership aligns with healthy sectors and strong market participation, conditions tend to be more favorable for systematic strategies.
Analytics Heatmap: Alignment Check
(Markets → Analytics)
Finally, we pull everything together with the Analytics heatmap.
This screen gives you a fast, visual check across indexes, sectors, commodities, and currencies.
When most areas are aligned, it’s often a sign that staying invested — with proper risk controls — makes sense.
When signals are mixed or turning red, it’s usually time to tighten risk, rebalance, or let stops do their job.
Think of this as a final confirmation screen before making portfolio decisions.
Putting It All Together for Your Portfolio
Let’s close by tying this back to how you actually use TradeSmith Finance.
Start with the market environment.
Then look at sector exposure.
Use commodities and leaders for confirmation.
And let your portfolio rules — position sizing, diversification, and exits — do the heavy lifting.
This process won’t eliminate losses. But it can reduce surprises and help you stay aligned with market conditions instead of reacting emotionally.
Make the Markets tab a weekly habit or daily if you have the time. It’s one of the simplest ways to add context to every decision you make.
Contact Us:
The Market Outlook Tab, click here.
The S&P Sectors Tab, click here.
The Commodities Tab, click here.
The Screener Tool, click here.
Thank you for joining me today and for allowing me to be part of your ongoing education journey.