Moving Average
Moving Average Technical Indicator
Section titled “Moving Average Technical Indicator”The Moving Average Technical Indicator shows the mean instrument price value for a certain period of time. When one calculates the moving average, one averages out the instrument price for this time period. As the price changes, its moving average either increases, or decreases.
Types of Moving Averages
Section titled “Types of Moving Averages”There are four different types of moving averages: Simple (also referred to as Arithmetic), Exponential, Smoothed and Weighted. Moving Average may be calculated for any sequential data set, including opening and closing prices, highest and lowest prices, trading volume or any other indicators. It is often the case when double moving averages are used.
Differences in Moving Averages
Section titled “Differences in Moving Averages”The only thing where moving averages of different types diverge considerably from each other, is when weight coefficients, which are assigned to the latest data, are different. In case we are talking of Simple Moving Average, all prices of the time period in question are equal in value. Exponential Moving Average and Linear Weighted Moving Average attach more value to the latest prices.
Interpreting Moving Averages
Section titled “Interpreting Moving Averages”The most common way to interpreting the price moving average is to compare its dynamics to the price action. When the instrument price rises above its moving average, a buy signal appears, if the price falls below its moving average, what we have is a sell signal. This trading system, which is based on the moving average, is not designed to provide entrance into the market right in its lowest point, and its exit right on the peak. It allows to act according to the following trend: to buy soon after the prices reach the bottom, and to sell soon after the prices have reached their peak.
Moving Averages on Indicators
Section titled “Moving Averages on Indicators”Moving averages may also be applied to indicators. That is where the interpretation of indicator moving averages is similar to the interpretation of price moving averages: if the indicator rises above its moving average, that means that the ascending indicator movement is likely to continue: if the indicator falls below its moving average, this means that it is likely to continue going downward.
Types of Moving Averages on the Chart
Section titled “Types of Moving Averages on the Chart”Here are the types of moving averages on the chart: