Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

RichardCox

Doubling-Up with Indicators

Recommended Posts

One of the things that attracts newcomers to technical analysis is the wide variety of indicators that can be used to assess price data in a more objective way. What most people don’t know is that the logic behind many of the most commonly used indicators is relatively similar. This should not be a total surprise because, in some cases, collections of indicators have been created by the same person (J. Welles Wilder would be a primary example).

 

It is, however, possible to make small alterations to these indicators and change the number and type of signals that are received. To take this approach even further, it is possible to plot multiple readings of the same indicator and use the comparative results as a basis for trading decisions. When exiting a trade, market conditions will never be what they were when the trade was opened. At the same time, psychological factors will often cause to hold onto trades too long (usually when markets are working against a trade), or to exit too quickly (once small gains are finally seen).

 

Both of these scenarios have clear drawbacks and can quickly lead to substantial losses. Indicators can help traders avoid some of these situations because these tools arm you with information that describes when a trending move has reached completion and is ready to reverse. For these reasons, it is preferable to wait for technical signals to materialize before pulling the trigger to close a trade, rather than relying on emotional reactions to do the same.

 

Using the MACD to Measure Trends

 

One of the most common indicator tools used by traders is the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), as it helps to enhance the probabilities in determining the lengths of trending moves. But which parameters should be plotted on the charts? The default settings in trading stations will generally call for the following: The MACD Line subtracts a 12-day EMA from a 26-day EMA. The Signal Line is a 9-day EMA of the MACD Line itself, and acts as a “signal” for trades (identifies potential turning points). Finally, the MACD Histogram is plotted, and shows as either “positive” or “negative.” The Histogram is positive if the MACD rises above the Signal Line. The Histogram is negative if the MACD falls below the Signal Line. These elements can be seen in the charted example.

 

The job of the MACD indicator is to help traders establish trades and then hold those positions until the current move has run its course. This is important because traders will typically spend much more time on their trade entry decisions than they do with their trade exit decisions. While it is a good idea to spend time with your entries, it is ultimately your exits that will determine your level of profit or loss. Tools like the MACD are designed to maximize your strategic decisions and fine tune your exit levels within the larger trend.

 

Understanding the Signals

 

The MACD sends signals to traders in a few different ways. As the name suggests, the indicator focuses on the convergence and divergence seen between the two moving averages. Convergence is found when the moving averages move close together. Divergence is seen when the moving farther apart. The Signal Line is simply an average of the MACD Line.

 

Because of this, the Signal Line will lag behind the MACD Line. When the MACD Line crosses above the signal line, positive momentum is expected and buy positions should be initiated. When the MACD Line crosses below the signal line, negative momentum is expected and sell positions should be initiated. Illustrated examples can be seen in the second chart.

 

In addition to this, buy signals are generated when the MACD Line crosses above the histogram. When the MACD Line crosses back below the histogram, momentum is negative and this is a signal to sell an asset. These signals help traders to know whether or not a specific price move has enough momentum to warrant a new position. As always, multiple signals (such as a Signal Line crossover, combined with a Histogram crossover), add to the validity of any potential positions.

 

Doubling the Indicator for Exits

 

Once you have a firm understanding of how the indicator works, we can change some of the parameters to work off of the traditional way position exits are constructed. In most cases, traders will use the same logic for entering MACD positions as what was seen when the trade idea was initiated (for example, a Signal Line or Histogram crossover). Unfortunately, this will create many scenarios where the trader will exit a position before the entire move is complete. So, while the MACD is helpful in these areas, there are still ways to improve and capture a larger portion of each move.

 

This can be done by adding an additional plotted MACD. The reasoning here is that the faster MACD (which is more sensitive to price changes) can be used to generate signals for position entries (as this helps you spot developing or changing trends). The slower MACD (which is less sensitive to price changes) can then be added to your charts. To do this, you will need to change the parameters when making the addition (as it would make no sense to again use the default settings). The initial MACD would show the difference between the 12-day and 26-day moving averages.

 

For the slower MACD, we can raise this to show the difference between the 19-day and 39-day moving averages. The Signal Line can be kept constant as a 9-day average of the MACD. The signals generated by this additional MACD plot can be used for exiting positions. So, for example, if we are in a long position, and the second MACD plot shows a negative cross of the Signal Line and/or a cross below the Histogram, the position can be closed on the expectation that the initial bull trend is reaching its end. The parameters for second MACD can be entered fairly easily using the “properties” area in your trading station.

 

Once this is done, you will notice both MACD readings serve different ends. The faster MACD is useful in that it is key for allowing us to spot new trends in their early phases. This indicator is less useful for trade exits, however, because it will often lead many traders to exit their positions before most of the trending move has completed. When we add a slower MACD to our charts, fewer signals are generated. In addition to this, the slower MACD will give you an idea of the broader picture. So when counter trend signals are generated in the slower MACD plot (for example, a sell signal in an uptrend or a buy signal in a downtrend) if becomes a better idea to exit the position and capture your profits before they are given back.

 

Conclusion

 

Indicator tools are an excellent way of viewing price action in more objective ways. In many cases, however, these indicators can lead us to exit positions well before the full trend moves unfold, and this can lead to large reductions in profits. But when we double up on our indicators (and extend the time periods for their measurements), we can get a broader picture of when trends are actually coming to an end. For the MACD, its creator (Gerald Appel) actually recommended that traders use multiple plots of the indicator but this is rarely something that most traders today would even consider.

Capture.PNG.aea6e39a47ac4dc9efcefccc0cb5e0cf.PNG

Capture2.PNG.15d67adf09b3565ab4771f1236e053c4.PNG

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The main challenge with the approach of using multiple indicators is that the trader lacks the basic understand of exactly what the indicator is supposed to indicate (a mathmatical or numerical measurement of [whatever] Even with this knowledge, it is even more difficult to trade because the trader does not have the confidence to enter trades due to the lack of consistency in the indicator's signal. In this case, the trader is using the indicator as a prediction tool, and is unlikely to wrap around any type of money management to control the risk, let alone understand the entry and exit process.

 

Is it a consistent set of entries and exits? Or does it change with each setup? Are all the exceptions known before entering? These are just some of the more important aspects of real trading to consider. Multiple indicators usually add to the confusion of predicting market direction, not remove it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
The main challenge with the approach of using multiple indicators is that the trader lacks the basic understand of exactly what the indicator is supposed to indicate (a mathmatical or numerical measurement of [whatever] Even with this knowledge, it is even more difficult to trade because the trader does not have the confidence to enter trades due to the lack of consistency in the indicator's signal. In this case, the trader is using the indicator as a prediction tool, and is unlikely to wrap around any type of money management to control the risk, let alone understand the entry and exit process.

 

Is it a consistent set of entries and exits? Or does it change with each setup? Are all the exceptions known before entering? These are just some of the more important aspects of real trading to consider. Multiple indicators usually add to the confusion of predicting market direction, not remove it.

 

Good points. I agree. I like to add the risk of missing the best trend when using multiple indicators.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
One of the things that attracts newcomers to technical analysis is the wide variety of indicators that can be used to assess price data in a more objective way. .......

 

Interesting idea Richard. Thanks.

Can you please explain how to get 2 Macd's into same panel. I can drag & drop another type of indicator onto the Macd panel but not a 2nd Macd. I must be doing something very basic.

Cheers:doh:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • TDUP ThredUp stock, watch for a top of range breakout above 2.94 at https://stockconsultant.com/?TDUP
    • TDUP ThredUp stock, watch for a top of range breakout above 2.94 at https://stockconsultant.com/?TDUP
    • NFLX Netflix stock watch, local support and resistance areas at 838.12 and 880.5 at https://stockconsultant.com/?NFLX
    • Date: 8th April 2025.   Markets Rebound Cautiously as US-China Tariff Tensions Deepen     Global markets staged a tentative recovery on Tuesday following a wave of volatility sparked by escalating trade tensions between the United States and China. The Asia-Pacific region showed signs of stability after a chaotic start to the week—though some pockets remained under pressure. Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 4.4%, dragged lower by losses in tech heavyweight TSMC. The world’s largest chipmaker fell another 4% on Tuesday and has now slumped 13.5% since April 2, when US President Donald Trump first unveiled what he called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.   However, broader sentiment across the region turned more positive, with several markets rebounding sharply after Monday’s dramatic sell-offs. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged over 6% in early trading, rebounding from an 18-month low. South Korea’s Kospi rose marginally, and Australia’s ASX 200 gained 1.9%, driven by strength in mining stocks. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.6%, though still far from recovering from Monday’s 13.2% crash—its worst day since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. China’s Shanghai Composite added 0.9%.   In Europe, DAX and FTSE 100 are up more than 1% in opening trade. EU Commission President von der Leyen repeated yesterday that the EU had offered reciprocal zero tariffs on manufactured goods previously and continues to stand by that offer. Others are also trying again to talk to Trump to get some sort of agreement that limits the impact.   Much of the rally appeared to be driven by dip-buying, as well as hopes that the intensifying trade war could still be defused through negotiations.   China Strikes Back: ‘We Will Fight to the End’   Tensions reached a boiling point after Trump threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on all Chinese imports unless Beijing rolled back its retaliatory measures by April 8. ‘If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow... the United States will impose additional tariffs on China of 50%,’ Trump declared on social media.   If implemented, the new tariffs would bring total US duties on Chinese goods to a staggering 124%, factoring in the existing 20%, the 34% recently announced, and the proposed 50%.   In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a stern warning, stating: ‘The US threat to escalate tariffs is a mistake on top of a mistake... If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.’ The ministry also called for equal and respectful dialogue, though signs of compromise on either side remain scarce.   Beijing acted quickly to contain a market fallout. State funds intervened to support equities, and the People’s Bank of China set the yuan fixing at its weakest level since September 2023 to boost export competitiveness. Additionally, five-year interest rate swaps in China fell to their lowest levels since 2020, indicating potential for further monetary easing.   Trump Talks Tough on EU Too   Trump’s hardline approach extended beyond China. Speaking at a press conference, he rejected the European Union’s offer to eliminate tariffs on cars and industrial goods, accusing the bloc of ‘being very bad to us.’ He insisted that Europe would need to source its energy from the US, claiming the US could ‘knock off $350 billion in one week.’   The EU, meanwhile, backed away from a proposed 50% retaliatory tariff on American whiskey, opting instead for 25% duties on selected US goods in response to Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs.     Volatile Wall Street Adds to the Drama   Wall Street experienced wild swings on Monday as investors processed the rapidly evolving trade conflict. The S&P 500 briefly fell 4.7% before rebounding 3.4%, nearly erasing its losses in what could have been its biggest one-day jump in years—if it had held. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank by as much as 1,700 points early in the day but later climbed nearly 900 points before closing 349 points lower, down 0.9%. The Nasdaq ended up 0.1%.   The brief rally was fueled by a false rumour that Trump was considering a 90-day pause on tariffs—rumours that the White House quickly labelled ‘fake news.’ The market's sharp reaction underscored how desperate investors are for any sign that tensions might ease.   Oil Markets in Focus: Goldman Sachs Revises Forecasts   Crude prices also reflected the uncertainty, with US crude briefly dipping below $60 per barrel for the first time since 2021. As of early Tuesday, Brent crude was trading at $64.72, while WTI hovered around $61.26.   Goldman Sachs, in a note dated April 7, lowered its average price forecasts for Brent and WTI through 2025 and 2026, citing mounting recession risks and the potential for higher-than-expected supply from OPEC+.       Under a base-case scenario where the US avoids a recession and tariffs are reduced significantly before the April 9 implementation date, Goldman sees Brent at $62 per barrel and WTI at $58 by December 2025. These figures fall further to $55 and $51, respectively, by the end of 2026. This outlook also assumes moderate output increases from eight OPEC+ countries, with incremental boosts of 130,000–140,000 barrels per day in June and July.   However, should the US slip into a typical recession and OPEC production aligns with the bank’s baseline assumptions, Brent could retreat to $58 by the end of this year and to $50 by December 2026.   In a more bearish scenario involving a global GDP slowdown and no change to OPEC+ output levels, Brent prices might fall to $54 by year-end and $45 by late 2026. The most extreme projection—based on a simultaneous economic downturn and a full reversal of OPEC+ production cuts—would see Brent plunge to below $40 per barrel by the end of 2026.   Goldman noted that oil prices could outperform forecasts significantly if there was a dramatic shift in tariff policy and a surprise in global demand recovery.   Cautious Optimism, But Warnings Persist   With both Washington and Beijing showing no signs of backing down, markets are likely to remain volatile in the days ahead. Investors now turn their attention to upcoming trade meetings and policy decisions, hoping for clarity in what has become one of the most unpredictable trading environments in recent years.   Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.   Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.   Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!   Click HERE to READ more Market news.   Andria Pichidi HFMarkets   Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
    • CVNA Carvana stock watch, rebound to 166.56 support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?CVNA
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.