Profile
AlphaTrends is a niche analysis and education platform for technical traders, particularly those focused on US equities and ETFs. Created by Brian Shannon, the service is centered around the use of anchored VWAP (Volume Weighted Average Price) to identify trend-based trade setups. This review assesses AlphaTrends from an expert lens, including platform utility, regulatory status, execution methods, and user suitability.
Regulation and Security
AlphaTrends is not a broker and is therefore not regulated by any financial authority such as the FCA, ASIC, or CySEC. It does not handle client funds or offer investment advice. As such, no regulatory protections like segregated client accounts or investor compensation schemes apply.
That said, the platform poses no custody risk, since users manage all execution and capital through their own brokers. The only security concern involves user data, which is protected through standard web platform practices.
Execution Model
AlphaTrends does not provide trade execution. It operates strictly as an analytical overlay, offering market commentary and trade ideas via videos and annotated charts. As such, execution models like ECN, STP, or market making are not applicable. Users must trade through external platforms, typically using AlphaTrends to inform discretionary decisions.
Platform and Tools
The platform delivers content via a secure members area, with frequent video updates, chart breakdowns, and commentary on intraday and swing setups. Core tools include:
- Anchored VWAP chart annotations
- Daily and weekly market recaps
- Trend continuation and reversal analysis
- Real-time updates via X (formerly Twitter)
There is no proprietary trading terminal, and users typically integrate the analysis into platforms like TradingView, Thinkorswim, or Sierra Chart.
Supported Markets
AlphaTrends focuses exclusively on US-listed stocks and ETFs. There is no content or coverage for asset classes such as forex, crypto, futures, or commodities. This makes the platform unsuitable for traders operating in global multi-asset portfolios or those seeking derivatives exposure.
Accounts and Pricing
AlphaTrends offers a subscription-based model. Access includes all video content, chart setups, and strategy insights under a flat monthly or annual fee. There are no trading accounts, margin services, leverage, or spreads, as AlphaTrends is not a broker. Likewise, there is no demo access or trial version available.
Retail and Institutional Features
The service is tailored to independent retail traders with an intermediate to advanced understanding of technical analysis. It does not offer institutional-grade features such as:
- API access
- Custom order routing
- Multi-asset portfolio analytics
- Automated strategy deployment
Its main appeal is in high-conviction trade setup identification based on price-volume relationships.
Client Protection and Transparency
As a content platform, AlphaTrends does not hold or manage capital. Therefore, protections like fund segregation, negative balance protection, or financial compensation schemes are not applicable. Transparency is ensured by the consistent publication of historical videos and chart recaps, allowing users to review performance and approach.
Order Types, Base Currencies, and APIs
AlphaTrends does not support any order types, base currencies, or APIs. It is entirely detached from execution infrastructure. All trading must be conducted through third-party brokers and platforms that support technical overlays, ideally those compatible with VWAP-based strategies.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Expert technical analysis rooted in anchored VWAP
- Daily and weekly educational content
- No custodial or capital risk
- Clear focus on US equity trend trading
- Transparent archive of prior trade ideas
- Cons:
- No regulation or financial oversight
- Not a broker; no execution or trading features
- Limited to US stocks and ETFs only
- No API, platform integration, or automation
- Requires external tools and brokers for full use
What is AlphaTrends used for?
AlphaTrends is used to identify trade setups in US equities using anchored VWAP and technical analysis. It provides video content and chart breakdowns, not execution services.
Is AlphaTrends a regulated broker?
No. AlphaTrends is not a broker and does not fall under any financial regulatory framework. It offers education and analysis only.
Does AlphaTrends support automated trading?
No, the platform does not offer automation, API access, or any kind of trading execution infrastructure.
Which markets does AlphaTrends cover?
The platform exclusively covers US equities and ETFs. There is no support for forex, crypto, futures, or international assets.
Can I use AlphaTrends with any broker?
Yes, as long as the broker’s platform supports custom chart indicators or VWAP analysis. Most users pair AlphaTrends with Thinkorswim, TradingView, or similar charting platforms.
