In today’s financial markets, particularly with the rise of online trading, there’s a vast array of analytical tools at your disposal. Almost every trading platform provides a selection of indicators that can be easily added to your charts with just a click.
However, this abundance of tools can pose a significant challenge for novice traders. It’s not uncommon for beginners to load their workspace with numerous indicators, leading to signal confusion. To navigate financial markets effectively, including electronic contract exchanges, it’s crucial to choose a couple of reliable indicators and build a clear, understandable trading system around them. But how do you go about selecting the right indicators?
In this regard, the adage “tried and true” holds particular weight. Among the plethora of options, the Moving Average stands out as a perennial favorite. Trusted by financial professionals worldwide for decades, it remains one of the most sought-after tools for achieving success in the realm of financial exchanges.
What is a Moving Average?
Let’s begin with the intriguing fact that the Moving Average has an interesting history. Even to this day, there remain disputes and uncertainties about its true creator. What we know for sure is that Richard Donchian and J. M. Hirst pioneered its application in the realm of financial markets. The talented traders played a significant role in popularizing of the Moving Average as a technical tool on trading platforms.
The tool gained its pinnacle of popularity in the mid-20th century. Many experienced traders incorporated it into their strategies. Now, almost all trading broker platforms offer various types of Moving Averages, each tailored to suit specific assets and trading nuances.
If you use the Olymp Trade platform, you’re in for a treat! They offer three diverse variations of the Moving Average indicator: SMA, EMA, and WMA. Your trading experience just got more versatile and tailored to your needs.
Some Basic Types of Moving Averages
Let us start with the basics: the Moving Average looks like a curved line, superimposed directly onto the price chart. Its specific shape is contingent upon the chosen type of Moving Average, the designated period, and the mathematical formula employed for its construction
The Simple Moving Average, often abbreviated as SMA, lives up to its name by being the most straightforward rendition of the Moving Average indicator.
At its core, this indicator is built upon the principle of calculating the arithmetic mean of closing prices over a specified time frame. As a result, it is responsive to significant price fluctuations, making it a preferred choice for short-term traders. Many traders find the SMA exceptionally handy as an impromptu trend line, allowing them to gauge the market’s direction with ease.
Exponential Moving Average is a more complex version of the Moving Average. EMA incorporates the most recent closing price in its calculation, giving it a dynamic quality.
EMAs are predominantly used in trading strategies where a pivotal signal arises from the intersection of two EMAs with distinct time periods. The trade execution aligns with the direction indicated by the senior EMA crossing paths with the junior moving average. This method provides traders with valuable insights into market trends and entry points.
Lastly, we have the Weighted Moving Average, denoted as WMA. This indicator stands out by averaging price values over a specific period while giving less weight to sudden, speculative price swings. This unique characteristic makes WMA a preferred choice for long-term trading strategies and when crafting automated trading systems.
In essence, the Moving Average, in its various forms, proves to be an incredibly versatile tool. Even when used in isolation, it can form the bedrock of your trading strategy, especially when multiple Moving Averages with different types or timeframes are employed simultaneously. This adaptability empowers traders to navigate the market with precision and confidence.