Q: What is a liquidation cascade?

A liquidation cascade occurs when a cluster of stop-losses and forced liquidations trigger in rapid succession, creating a chain reaction of aggressive selling or buying. These events produce some of the sharpest, fastest moves in markets — and they're almost invisible to traders using conventional indicators. Cascade Indicators detects the conditions that precede these events, giving you time to position before the move, not after.

Q: How does Cascade detect these conditions?

Cascade analyzes multiple independent dimensions of market data simultaneously — flow dynamics, volatility behavior, structural context, macro pressure, and cross-asset alignment — then synthesizes them into a single composite score. When enough dimensions converge, the probability of a cascade event rises significantly. The specific methodology and weighting system are proprietary.

Q: What is the composite score?

Every signal Cascade fires comes with a score from 0 to 100 representing the degree of confluence across all analysis dimensions. Higher scores mean more factors are aligned. You can set your own minimum threshold to control how selective your signals are — aggressive traders may act on scores above 50, while conservative traders may wait for 70+.

Q: What is regime classification?

Cascade's regime engine continuously classifies the current market environment across a five-level spectrum — from Strong Risk-Off to Strong Risk-On. Signals are automatically weighted based on whether they align with or conflict against the prevailing regime. This prevents you from taking long signals into a deteriorating environment, or shorting into a strong risk-on tape. The inputs and classification logic are proprietary.

Q: How many analysis dimensions does Cascade use?

Cascade synthesizes seven independent analysis dimensions into each signal. Each dimension captures a different aspect of market behavior — some focus on order flow dynamics, others on structural context, volatility conditions, macro pressure, or cross-market confirmation. The modular architecture allows each dimension to contribute independently while the composite engine determines overall signal strength.

Q: Is Cascade a trading strategy or a signal service?

Neither. Cascade is an analytical tool that surfaces high-probability conditions on your TradingView chart. It tells you when market structure, flow, and regime are converging — what you do with that information is your decision. We don't tell you when to enter or exit. We don't manage money. We don't provide personalized trading advice.

Q: Will Cascade make me profitable?

No indicator can guarantee profitability. Cascade gives you an informational edge — the ability to see conditions most traders can't — but your results depend on your risk management, discipline, position sizing, and market experience. We strongly recommend paper trading with Cascade for at least two weeks before using it with real capital.

Q: Is Cascade a black box?

Not entirely. While the specific methodology is proprietary, the output is fully transparent. Every signal shows its composite score, the prevailing regime classification, and on-chart markers for entry context. You always know what Cascade is saying and how strongly it's saying it. What we protect is how it arrives at those conclusions — the same way any professional trading firm protects its models.

Q: Does Cascade work on all markets?

Cascade works on any instrument available on TradingView — futures, stocks, ETFs, forex, and commodities. The signal engine adapts its internal parameters to each asset class automatically based on the instrument's volatility characteristics and flow profile. Some analysis dimensions are most effective on instruments with deep, transparent order books (like index futures), but the composite engine compensates when certain inputs are less available.

Q: Is Cascade just another SMC/ICT indicator?

No. Most indicator suites on TradingView are repackaged versions of the same Smart Money Concepts — order blocks, fair value gaps, break-of-structure. Cascade is original methodology built from order flow research. It doesn't label zones or draw supply/demand boxes. It measures the actual conditions — flow imbalance, volatility exhaustion, macro regime, cross-asset divergence — that precede large directional moves.

Q: What TradingView plan do I need?

Cascade works on TradingView Essential ($14.95/month) and above. The indicator uses a single slot, leaving plenty of room for your other tools. For Pro tier users who want non-expiring alerts with webhook output, we recommend TradingView Premium, but it's not required.

Q: How do I add Cascade to my chart?

After your access is granted, open TradingView → Indicators → Invite-Only Scripts. You'll see your Cascade Indicators access there. Click to add it to any chart. The indicator loads with a default configuration that works well for most traders on common timeframes.

Q: What are presets?

Cascade includes built-in presets that optimize all internal parameters for common trading styles — from aggressive scalping on 1–3 minute charts to patient swing entries on 1–4 hour charts. Essentials tier users choose from these presets. Pro tier users can additionally customize every parameter manually for full control.

Q: What timeframes work best?

Cascade works on any timeframe, but signal characteristics change. On lower timeframes (1m–5m), you'll see more frequent signals suited for scalping. On higher timeframes (15m–1H+), signals are less frequent but tend to capture larger moves. The presets are optimized for their intended timeframe ranges.

Q: Do I need to configure anything for different instruments?

No. Cascade automatically detects the instrument and adjusts its internal parameters accordingly. You don't need to change settings when switching between, say, NQ futures and AAPL stock. The engine adapts to each asset's volatility profile and flow characteristics.

Q: Can I use Cascade alongside my existing indicators?

Absolutely. Since Cascade uses a single indicator slot, you have plenty of room for volume profiles, moving averages, or any other tools you rely on. Many traders use Cascade for directional conviction and pair it with their own entry timing tools.

Q: What does a signal look like on the chart?

When Cascade detects converging conditions, it plots a directional marker on the chart (arrow or triangle) with the composite score displayed nearby. The marker color and size reflect signal strength. The regime classification is shown in an on-chart dashboard so you always know the current macro context alongside each signal.

Q: Should I trade every signal?

No — and that's by design. Cascade fires signals across a range of scores. Lower-score signals have fewer dimensions aligned and carry more uncertainty. Most experienced Cascade users set a minimum score threshold and only act on signals that clear it. Start conservative, then adjust as you learn how Cascade behaves on your preferred instruments and timeframes.

Q: How do I use the regime classification in my trading?

The regime tells you the current macro environment. If the regime reads Risk-On and you see a long signal with a high score, those factors are aligned — that's a high-conviction setup. If the regime reads Risk-Off and you see a long signal, there's a conflict, and Cascade automatically reflects that in a lower score. Many traders use the regime as a session filter: only take longs in Risk-On regimes, only take shorts in Risk-Off, and step aside when the regime is Neutral.

Q: Does Cascade tell me where to place stops and targets?

Cascade focuses on detecting the conditions that precede large moves — it's a directional conviction tool, not an exit management system. Many traders pair Cascade's entry signals with their own stop placement methods (ATR-based, structure-based, fixed-point, etc.). Pro tier users with webhook access can build automated stop/target logic into their execution systems.

Q: Does Cascade repaint signals?

No. All signals fire on confirmed bar close only. What you see on the historical chart is exactly what fired in real time. No lookahead bias, no repainting, no post-hoc adjustments.

Q: Can I use Cascade for prop firm evaluations?

Yes. Cascade was designed with prop firm risk rules in mind. The signal discipline — waiting for high-confluence scores, respecting regime alignment — naturally supports the kind of consistent, controlled trading that prop firms reward. Pro tier users with webhook access can additionally build automated compliance logic (position limits, drawdown rules, consistency tracking) into their execution stack.

Q: What plans are available?

We offer two tiers: Core and Pro. Each is available as a monthly or annual subscription. Both tiers include the full Cascade signal engine with real-time detection and on-chart overlays. Pro adds advanced configuration, structured alert output, regime diagnostics, and priority support. All plans include a 7-day no questions asked refund policy with full, unrestricted access. No watermarks, no feature gates during the trial.

Q: What is your refund policy?

Core plan - During the first 7 days, cancel anytime, no charge.

After 7 days: No refund for the current billing period, but you can cancel anytime and your access continues through the end of the period.

Annual plans: 14-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase. Cancel anytime to prevent renewal.

We'd rather have you try Cascade risk-free and leave satisfied than keep you locked in. If it's not working for you, we want to know why, as it it helps us improve.

Q: How do I get access after subscribing?

1. After checkout, you'll provide your TradingView username via a custom field.

2. We grant access to Cascade Indicators within 24 hours (usually much faster during business hours).

3. You'll receive a welcome email with setup guides, recommended chart layouts, and your Discord invite link (Pro tier).

4. Open TradingView → Indicators → Invite-Only Scripts → you'll see your Cascade Indicators access based on your subscription tier.

If you don't see the indicators within 24 hours, email contact@cascadeindicators.com or message us on Discord and we'll sort it out immediately.

Q: Can I switch plans or upgrade?

Yes. Contact us and we'll prorate the difference. Upgrading from Essentials to Pro mid-cycle is seamless — you get immediate access to Pro features and the price difference is applied to your next billing cycle. Downgrading takes effect at your next renewal.

Q: How do I cancel?

Cancel anytime through your Stripe customer portal (link provided in your welcome email) or email contact@cascadeindicators.com. Your access continues through the end of your current billing period. No cancellation fees, no retention tricks.

Q: I subscribed but don't see the indicator in my Invite-Only Scripts.

Access is granted manually and typically takes under 24 hours (usually much faster during business hours). If it's been longer than 24 hours, double-check that the TradingView username you provided at checkout is correct — usernames are case-sensitive. If everything looks right, email contact@cascadeindicators.com or message us on Discord and we'll resolve it immediately.

Q: The indicator loads but I don't see any signals.

First, check your timeframe — some presets are optimized for specific timeframe ranges and may not fire frequently on very high or very low timeframes. Second, check your minimum score threshold — if it's set very high, you'll see fewer signals. Try lowering it temporarily to confirm the engine is running. Finally, ensure the instrument has sufficient price history loaded on your chart (at least 200 bars).

Q: I'm getting a TradingView error about too many calculations or script timeout.

Cascade is computationally intensive because it processes multiple analysis dimensions simultaneously. On very low timeframes (1m or below) with extensive history, TradingView's calculation budget can be exceeded. Solutions: reduce the number of historical bars loaded on your chart, move to a slightly higher timeframe (3m or 5m), or upgrade your TradingView plan for a higher calculation allowance.

Q: Does Cascade conflict with other indicators?

No. Cascade runs independently and doesn't modify or interfere with other indicators on your chart. The only shared resource is TradingView's indicator slot allowance and calculation budget.

Q: Can I use Cascade on mobile?

Yes. Cascade works on TradingView's mobile app just like any other invite-only indicator. Performance may vary depending on your device and the number of indicators loaded simultaneously.

Q: I'm seeing different signals on the same chart at different times. Is it repainting?

No. Cascade does not repaint. If you're seeing different signals, it's likely because you're comparing a real-time chart (where the current bar is still forming) with a historical view (where all bars are confirmed). Signals only fire on confirmed bar close — the current bar may show a potential signal that doesn't confirm if conditions change before the bar closes. This is expected behavior, not repainting.

Q: How do I report a bug or request a feature?

Email contact@cascadeindicators.com or post in the #feedback channel on Discord (Pro tier). We actively develop based on user feedback and release updates regularly through TradingView's invite-only update system — you'll always have the latest version automatically.

Q: What is webhook output?

Pro tier includes the ability to send structured signal data to any external URL when Cascade fires a signal. This is TradingView's built-in webhook system — when an alert triggers, TradingView sends a data payload to the URL you specify. This allows you to connect Cascade signals to execution platforms, logging systems, Discord bots, or any other service that accepts webhook input.

Q: What data is included in the webhook payload?

The webhook sends a structured payload containing the signal direction, instrument, timeframe, composite score, regime classification, and timestamp. The exact format is documented in the Pro tier setup guide included in your welcome email. The payload is designed to be parsed by any standard webhook receiver.

Q: Can I use webhooks to automate trading?

The webhook output provides the signal data — what you build on the receiving end is up to you. Some traders connect it to execution scripts, others use it for logging or notification systems. Cascade provides the signal; it does not provide execution software, broker integration, or trade management. If you build your own automation layer, you are fully responsible for its behavior, risk management, and compliance with your broker's terms of service.

Q: Which brokers can I connect to?

Cascade's webhook output is broker-agnostic — it sends data to any URL. What you do with that data on the receiving end is entirely up to you. Traders have connected it to a wide variety of platforms and custom systems. We do not provide broker-specific integration, and we do not manage or execute trades on your behalf.

Q: How do I set up alerts with webhook output?

1. Open your chart with Cascade loaded.

2. Right-click on the indicator → "Add Alert."

3. Select the desired alert condition (e.g., any signal, long only, short only, minimum score threshold).

4. In the alert dialog, enable "Webhook URL" and paste your receiving endpoint.

5. The message field is pre-populated with the structured payload template. Customize if needed.

Full setup instructions with examples are included in the Pro tier welcome guide.

Q: Do alerts expire?

This depends on your TradingView plan, not on Cascade. On TradingView Essential and Plus, alerts expire after approximately 2 months and need to be recreated. On TradingView Premium, alerts do not expire. If you plan to run webhooks continuously, Premium is recommended for convenience, but not required.

Q: I'm not receiving webhook payloads.

Check the following: (1) Confirm your webhook URL is correct and publicly accessible. (2) Verify the alert is active in TradingView's alert manager — expired alerts stop firing silently. (3) Check your receiving server's logs for incoming requests — TradingView sends payloads via HTTP POST. (4) Ensure your server responds with a 200 status code; TradingView may retry or stop sending if it receives errors. If everything looks correct on your end, email us and we'll help troubleshoot.