Tape Reading in 2025:
A Lost Art That Still Works

Why tape reading is making a comeback in today’s fast-moving markets.

Friday’s here, and phew, what a week.
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The U.S. hit Iran… and the markets already moved on.
Did they get the nukes? Who knows. The S&P doesn’t seem too bothered.🤷🏼‍♂️
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Anyway, let’s talk about something that does matter…

TAPE READING

Still a misunderstood and underrated skill.

Some say it’s just watching how price moves on a chart.
Others think it’s staring at Level 2 and time & sales all day.
Truth is: it’s both… and neither. 😁

Personally? I’ve gone full circle on this.

Tape reading made me a trader 20 years ago. Then I shifted to bigger swings and let it go.

But in today’s headline-driven, fast-shifting market?

It’s back, baby!

So, I just recorded a podcast on what tape reading really is… and how to bring it into your process without drowning in data.

Here’s what I look for:

  • Acceleration of price
  • Velocity of price change
  • Reactions at key levels
  • Micro-pauses before breakout
  • Failed pushes (a big tell)

It’s not magic. It’s just reading intent.

If you’ve been meaning to explore tape, this one’s for you:

🎧 Listen to the Tape Reading Podcast Here