Internet
chop
What does chop mean?
Sideways, whipsawing price movement that lacks a clear trend, frustrating both bulls and bears. Also 'choppy.'
"No trades today, it's just chop."
Origin
Standard trader slang for range-bound volatility; common across all trading communities.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'chop' mean in trading?
It refers to directionless, back-and-forth price action with no clear trend — the market whipsaws sideways, frustrating both bulls and bears.
Why do traders dislike chop?
Choppy conditions repeatedly fake out both buyers and sellers, triggering losses on breakouts that immediately reverse. Many traders sit out chop because there's no clean trend to ride.
What's the difference between 'chop' and a 'trend'?
A trend moves persistently in one direction, up or down, while chop moves back and forth within a range without committing either way.
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