Traditional technical analysis examines the result of past price movements, but order flow trading examines the real-time record of every executed transaction. Goldsmith argues that prices move exclusively due to —when aggressive market orders eat through the passive limit orders resting in the order book.
By understanding this "X-ray" of the market, traders can identify:
Identifying where "big money" is entering positions by watching for large order imbalances.
Goldsmith specifically highlights how to exploit the areas where other traders have placed their stop-loss orders, which act as a source of liquidity for larger players.
Recognizing when aggressive buying or selling is being "absorbed" by a large passive seller or buyer, often signaling a reversal. Key Concepts in the Strategy Best Order Flow Trading Strategy (Smart Money Concepts)