Arsalan Bhat 01

$ZEC is currently trading around 1,242, and the bigger picture remains bullish. The 1H, 4H and 1D structures are still showing higher highs and higher lows, which means buyers are controlling the larger trend.
But after such a strong move, I don’t think chasing the current price is the best approach. I’d rather wait for a proper pullback or a confirmed breakout and retest.
WHY I’M LOOKING FOR A LONG 🟢
On the 15M chart, ZEC recently pushed down into the 1,205–1,215 area, where downside liquidity was sitting. Price rejected that area and then recovered strongly.
That move is important because it looks like a sell-side liquidity sweep followed by a bullish shift in short-term structure.
From an SMC perspective, the liquidity sweep followed by the structure shift gives us a potential continuation setup.
From an ICT perspective, I would prefer price to return to a better area of interest rather than entering after the move has already happened. A breakout followed by a clean retest would also give a better confirmation.
From a Price Action perspective, the higher timeframes remain bullish, while the 15M chart is showing renewed buying pressure after the recent correction.
ENTRY PLAN 📌
Preferred LONG zone:
1,232–1,240
I would not blindly enter just because price reaches this area. I want to see a bullish reaction first — ideally a rejection, strong displacement and a 15M MSS/BOS confirming that buyers are stepping back in.
There is also a second setup:
If $ZEC breaks above 1,251–1,255 with strong momentum, I’d wait for a retest of that zone. If the breakout level holds as support, that can provide a cleaner continuation entry.
TARGETS 🎯
TP1: 1,275
TP2: 1,297–1,305
TP3: 1,320–1,330
The 1,295–1,305 area is especially important because it sits around the recent high and major buy-side liquidity. I’d expect some reaction there rather than assuming price will move straight through it.
LIQUIDITY & TRAP ZONES
The main downside liquidity is around 1,205–1,215, which has already produced a strong reaction.
Above price, 1,254–1,280 is an important liquidity area, followed by 1,295–1,305.
Because ZEC has already moved aggressively, a fake breakout above 1,250–1,255 is possible. That’s why I want to see a proper 15M close and retest instead of chasing the first breakout candle.
INVALIDATION ❌
The bullish idea becomes invalid if price loses 1,214 with strong bearish displacement and starts accepting below that level.
If that happens, I would cancel the LONG setup and watch 1,195–1,205 next, with deeper support around 1,170.
RISK MANAGEMENT ⚠️
Risk per trade: 0.5–1% maximum
Suggested leverage: 2x–4x
The goal here is not to use high leverage. $ZEC is volatile, so keeping position size controlled is more important than trying to maximize leverage.
FINAL VIEW
The higher-timeframe structure is bullish and the recent 15M liquidity sweep/recovery supports the possibility of another move higher.
However, the current price is already extended, so I would not chase it.
For me, the cleanest idea is:
Pullback into 1,232–1,240 → bullish reaction → 15M MSS/BOS → LONG
OR
Break above 1,251–1,255 → successful retest → LONG
If neither happens, there is no need to force a trade.
Bias: 🟢 LONG
Preferred Entry: 1,232–1,240
Breakout Entry: 1,251–1,255 + retest
SL: 1,214
TP1: 1,275
TP2: 1,297–1,305
TP3: 1,320–1,330
Risk: 0.5–1%
Leverage: 2x–4x
Confidence: 7.5/10
NFA. Trade with proper risk management.