Background
Mark Fisher is a commodities trader who developed the ACD trading method, documented in his book 'The Logical Trader.' He was one of the youngest members of the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) and his MBF Clearing Corp is one of the largest independent clearing firms. The ACD method uses the opening range to define the day's directional bias.
Core Methodology
The ACD method uses the first 15 minutes of trading (the Opening Range, or OR) to establish reference points for the rest of the day. An 'A up' occurs when price breaks above the OR high + a buffer. An 'A down' occurs when price breaks below the OR low - a buffer. These signals define the day's directional bias. The 'C' level confirms the direction later in the session.
Key Trading Rules
- Calculate the Opening Range (OR): the first 15 minutes' high and low
- A-up: price breaks above OR high + A-value buffer → bullish day bias
- A-down: price breaks below OR low - A-value buffer → bearish day bias
- C-up/C-down: later confirmation of the direction (typically first 60-90 minutes)
- Failed A-up (price reverses below OR after breaking above) → strong bearish signal
- Use monthly/weekly pivot ranges for context — ACD signals at these levels have higher conviction
Key Concepts
Books & Resources
The Logical Trader by Mark Fisher. ACD methodology documentation. MBF Clearing Corp.