HERE ARE 10 COMMON TRADING INDICATORS MADE SIMPLE Chart has all 10.
Hope this helps.
Hope it's simple to understand if you still struggle with indicators.
Remember, no one indicator is good on its own.
Think of an indicator as a sign that you should pay attention to a possibility. For example, if I go to the ocean, maybe I have an indicator that says you're closer to sharks than in the great lakes, will I be eaten? Probably not, but also, there are more sharks and my indicator confirms that. I can't use this one indicator to say, I'm probably about to be eaten. BUT.. Let's say I have multiple indicators that I use to give me a better idea if I'll be eaten. Maybe an indicator tells me there is an oddly higher than avg number of a sharks number 1 food source within the area. Can I say I'll be eaten? No, but I could say, maybe due to the increased food supply, there may be more sharks. What if I have a few more indicators, one of which says there are 30 great whites within 10 miles, and another that says, usually at this time of the year, there are only ever between 2 to 7 great whites. Can I say, Yes, I'll be eaten? NOPE, not yet.
What if I have another indicator that says, across the globe, shark attacks are increasing by a certain percentage, and another that says, there is blood detected within the water you're swimming in, which is lower than the threshold for human's to detect, but higher than the threshold needed for sharks to smell. What if I combine that with an indicator that says, on avg there are 1000 swimmers here, but now, there are under 30. Can I say I'll be eaten? Nope, BUT, I can say, hmm. Something is up and if one of us were to get eaten, I'm more likely to be picked out of 30 people than 1000.
When can I say I'll be eaten? Probably if you build an indicator that can detect bite force and compare to known bit forces of sharks that could sense you're actively being eaten, but at that point, the stock moved already... err I mean, the shark ate already, and you're late to the show..
My point being, use them, but don't always assume when it comes to indicators. Take in all the data and then make a decision. Some indicators fit your style, some won't. Do I need 30 stacked indicators for sharks if I'm swimming in Lake Michigan? Probably not, it would make everything a mess.
So, here there are.
Relative Strength Index (RSI): Ah, the RSI, the “I’ve had too much” indicator of the stock market. When it hits above 70, it’s like your stock had too much to drink at the party and is likely to come crashing down. Below 30? It’s been left out in the cold and might be due for a warm-up (a.k.a. price increase). Remember, it’s not foolproof, but then again, neither is your weather app.
On-Balance Volume (OBV): This one’s all about following the crowd. If the volume is increasing, it’s like everyone’s rushing to get the latest iPhone. But remember, even if everyone jumps off a bridge, it doesn’t mean you should too. Always double-check before you follow the herd.
Simple Moving Average (SMA): The SMA is like that reliable friend who’s always a bit behind on the latest trends. It gives you the average closing price over a certain period. It’s simple, it’s moving, it’s average. It’s the SMA.
Exponential Moving Average (EMA): The EMA is the SMA’s hip younger sibling. It cares more about what happened recently than what happened way back when. It’s great for short-term trading, but remember, even the coolest kids can get things wrong.
Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD): This one sounds complicated, but it’s not. It’s like watching two rabbits on a race track. If the fast rabbit (the 12-day EMA) overtakes the slow rabbit (the 26-day EMA), it’s a bullish signal. If the slow rabbit overtakes the fast one, it’s a bearish signal. Just remember, rabbits are unpredictable!
Fibonacci retracements: Ah, Fibonacci, the Da Vinci of math. These horizontal lines indicate where support and resistance levels might be. It’s like trying to predict where you’ll meet your ex at a party. It could be useful, but don’t rely on it too much.
Stochastic oscillator: This one’s a bit like a pendulum. When it swings one way, it’s likely to swing back the other way soon. It’s great for spotting potential reversals, but remember, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Bollinger bands: These are like the elastic waistband of your favorite sweatpants. If the price hits the upper band, it might be time to sell (or stop eating pizza). If it hits the lower band, it might be time to buy (or hit the gym).
Average Directional Index (ADX): This one tells you whether the price is trending strongly or just wandering around like a lost puppy. Above 25 is a strong trend, below 20 is weak. But remember, even lost puppies find their way home eventually.
Accumulation/Distribution (A/D) line: This one’s all about supply and demand. If the line is going up, the stock is being accumulated. If it’s going down, it’s being distributed. It’s like tracking whether more people are buying or selling fidget spinners.
Remember, these indicators are like tools in a toolbox. Don’t try to build a house with just a hammer. Use them in combination, understand their limitations, and always do your own research. Happy trading! 📈