The Framework
ARGUS Event-Driven Trading Framework
This is the lens the analyzer uses. Each pillar is scored 0–10 on any trade you submit. A high score requires all six — a great catalyst with no hedge is still a low-quality trade.
01
Catalyst-first
Only trade with a dated, identifiable catalyst.
Earnings, M&A close, spinoff record date, regulatory decision, index rebal. If you can't put a date on the chart, it isn't a trade — it's a view.
02
Event taxonomy
Hard catalysts > soft catalysts.
Hard = deterministic outcome on a known date (merger close, ex-date). Soft = probabilistic drift (earnings, sentiment). Size accordingly; never blur the two.
03
Long/short pairing
Isolate idiosyncratic edge, hedge beta.
Pair the directional bet with a sector or single-name short that bleeds off macro/sector noise. The P&L should reflect the catalyst, not the market.
04
Asymmetry
Multi-R upside, defined downside.
Target ≥ 2.5R from entry to stop. Skip symmetric setups even if the win rate looks attractive — variance kills compounders.
05
Liquidity & venue
Size to ADV; respect microstructure.
Multi-listed and well-traded names are preferred. Position size is capped by how cleanly you can exit on a bad print, not by how much conviction you feel.
06
Risk discipline
Pre-defined invalidation and time stop.
Price stop AND time stop near the catalyst date. If the catalyst passes without the move, the thesis is invalidated — exit, don't rationalize.