What is the Fractal Edge Framework?
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The Fractal Edge Framework (FEF) is a collection of 35 layouts for TC2000 that implement Dr. Ken Long's trading strategies. The layouts are organized into four pillars: Targeting (finding the right symbols), Stalking (knowing when to act), Trading (executing with precision), and BMR (passive portfolio management). The strategies are robust, adaptive, and have been time-tested for over 40 years.
What is TC2000?
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TC2000 is a trading analysis, charting, scanning, and trade execution platform for individual investors. It provides visual charts, fast scanning across all stocks, and an integrated brokerage overlay on Interactive Brokers. The Fractal Edge Framework is built as layouts that run inside TC2000.
Who is Dr. Ken Long?
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Dr. Ken Long is a master trader with over 40 years of experience. He founded Tortoise Capital Management in 1999, served as Associate Professor at the US Army Command & General Staff College, and is a retired Lieutenant Colonel after 25 years of active Army service. He created the MACD Seasons framework and the systematic trading methodology that the Fractal Edge Framework implements.
What are the four MACD Seasons?
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MACD Seasons classify the market momentum cycle into four phases: Spring (bullish momentum building — MACD crossing above signal line), Summer (bullish but momentum fading — MACD above signal but declining), Fall (bearish momentum building — MACD crossing below signal), and Winter (bearish but momentum fading — MACD below signal but rising). These seasons help traders identify turning points and align trades with the current market phase.
What is the difference between a layout, a pack, and the full suite?
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Individual layouts are $49 each. Bundles save you 20% or more: First Pattern Starter ($197, 6 screens), Alignment Pack ($497, 7 screens), or The Trader's Desk ($1,197, everything). Prior purchases always credit toward upgrades.
What are the core trading patterns?
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The two core patterns available now are: SSC (Supported Spring Crossing) — a bullish reversal signal, and CD (Collapsing Dragon) — a bearish continuation signal where the upside reversal attempt fails. Each has a dedicated scan layout. PSAR entry/exit signals (PFL and PFS) provide the execution triggers.
What is Targeting, Stalking, and Trading?
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These are the three pillars of the intraday trading workflow. Targeting is selecting symbols with ideal characteristics (using layouts like Frog Box, FQN, MACD Seasons). Stalking is watching for when targets start moving (using Autoframer, Movers, Mosaic). Trading is executing with precision (using templates, pattern scans, position sizing). This three-step structure systematizes the trading process.
What is Blended Monthly Rebalancing (BMR)?
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BMR (Blended Monthly Rebalancing) is a momentum-based asset allocation system. It blends 3-month returns (weighted 70%) with 6-month returns (weighted 30%) to rank ETFs or stocks. You select the top 3 ranked symbols, confirm each is above its 4-month moving average (the Cash Filter), and allocate one-third of capital to each. Rebalance monthly. A 10% trailing stop protects against drawdowns, tightening to 5% after a 10% gain. The system targets market returns plus 5% with minimal time commitment — one decision per month.
How do I install layouts in TC2000?
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Each layout comes with a TC2000 share link. Click the link while logged into TC2000, and the layout will be added to your workspace automatically. Detailed installation instructions are provided with your purchase. Contact us if you need help with setup.
What TC2000 plan do I need?
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You need the TC2000 Premium plan. Premium includes the formula language and scanning features that the Fractal Edge layouts depend on. The free or basic Silver and Gold plans do not support custom formulas. You do not need Premium+ — the additional features in that tier are not required for the layouts.
Do I need to be a Dr. Ken Long student to use the layouts?
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No. The layouts work independently as TC2000 tools. Familiarity with Dr. Long's methodology helps you get more from the framework, but each layout includes descriptions of what it does and how to use it. The Targeting pillar is a good starting point for new users.
What happens after my 12-month update period expires?
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Your layouts continue to work indefinitely in TC2000 — there is no expiration on the software itself. The 12-month period covers updates, new layouts, and bug fixes. After it expires, you can renew for $999/year to continue receiving updates. Dr. Long subscribers and KL-Bundle owners qualify for discounts.
What is Edge S2?
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Edge S2 is the trader's System 2 — LifeLongEdge's integrated platform for systematic trading, spanning data, charting, system building, backtesting, and paper trading. The first piece you can run today is Edge S2 Desktop, a free Windows download.
What is Edge S2 Desktop?
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Edge S2 Desktop is a practice simulator for Dr. Ken Long's trading method. It replays his sniper trade of the day on your own PC, bar by bar, with the future hidden. You place the trades; it fills them, scores them in R units, and then shows you what he did on the same bars, alongside the R distribution of the trade legs. Pilots log hours in a simulator before they fly; this is the equivalent for traders.
What does Edge S2 Desktop cost?
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The download is free. Inside the app you can buy packs of Dr. Long's historical sniper trades — STOD Pack 4 · NVDA is $49 for his four NVDA trades, STOD Pack 19 is $129 for 19 trades across 17 symbols from 2026, each with his marks, readings and screenshots; the price bars come from your own data store. Optional market-data connectors are $49 each. There is no data subscription to us.
What do I need to run Edge S2 Desktop?
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Windows 10 or Windows 11. A session opens in milliseconds with no data account at all, so you can score a practice trade on the shortest possible path from download. To replay your own symbols you connect your own market-data account. Your market data and your holdings stay on your machine and are never sent to us.