The Zig Zag draws trendlines on charts which connect swing highs and lows. However, it only produces lines when the highs or lows represent a significant price movement. “Significant” is defined by the percentage move threshold set for the Zig Zag. The chart below shows how the Zig Zag (the yellow line) does not react…
SharpCharts users can choose between the normal “ZigZag” and “ZigZag (Retrace.).” As shown in the examples above, the normal ZigZag shows lines that move at least a specific percentage. The ZigZag (Retrace.) connects the reaction highs and lows with labels that measure the prior move. The numbers on the dotted lines reflect the difference between…
Like other trend-following indicators, buy and sell signals are based on past price history that may not be predictive of future price action. For example, the majority of a trend may have already happened when a Zig Zag line finally appears. Traders should be aware the most recent Zig Zag line may not be permanent. When price changes…
The Zig Zag indicator plot points on a chart whenever prices reverse by a percentage greater than a pre-chosen variable. An analyst can set the percentage level to trigger the indicator. Straight lines are then drawn, connecting these points. The indicator is used to help identify price trends. It eliminates random price fluctuations and attempts to…
The Zig Zag indicator lowers the impact of random price fluctuations and is used to help identify price trends and changes in price trends. KEY TAKEAWAYS
To calculate a simple moving average, the number of prices within a time period is divided by the number of total periods. For instance, consider shares of Tesla closed at $10, $11, $12, $11, $14 over a five day period. The simple moving average of Tesla’s shares would equal $10 + $11 + $12 +…
It is unclear whether or not more emphasis should be placed on the most recent days in the time period or on more distant data. Many traders believe that new data will better reflect the current trend the security is moving with. At the same time, other traders feel that privileging certain dates over others will…
Two popular trading patterns that use simple moving averages include the death cross and a golden cross. A death cross occurs when the 50-day SMA crosses below the 200-day SMA. This is considered a bearish signal, indicating that further losses are in store. The golden cross occurs when a short-term SMA breaks above a long-term SMA. Reinforced by high…
Moving averages are an important analytical tool used to identify current price trends and the potential for a change in an established trend. The simplest use of an SMA in technical analysis is using it to quickly determine if an asset is in an uptrend or downtrend. Another popular, albeit slightly more complex, analytical use…
