The moving average (MA) is a simple technical analysis tool that smooths out price data by creating a constantly updated average price. The average is taken over a specific period of time, like 10 days, 20 minutes, 30 weeks,or any time period the trader chooses. There are advantages to using a moving average in your trading, as well as options on what type of moving average to use.
Moving average strategies are also popular and can be tailored to any time frame, suiting both long-term investors and short-term traders.
Key Takeaways
- A moving average (MA) is a widely used technical indicator that smooths out price trends by filtering out the noise from random short-term price fluctuations.
- Moving averages can be constructed in several different ways and employ different numbers of days for the averaging interval.
- The most common applications of moving averages are to identify trend direction and to determine support and resistance levels.
- When asset prices cross over their moving averages, it may generate a trading signal for technical traders.
- While moving averages are useful enough on their own, they also form the basis for other technical indicators such as the moving average convergence divergence (MACD).
Why Use a Moving Average
A moving averagehelps cut down the amount of noise on a price chart. Look at the direction of the moving average to get a basic idea of which way the price is moving. If it is angled up, the price is moving up (or was recently) overall;angled down, and the price is moving down overall;moving sideways, and the price is likely in a range.
A moving average can also act as support or resistance. In an uptrend, a 50-day, 100-day, or 200-day moving average may act as a support level, as shown in the figure below. This is because the average acts like a floor (support), so the price bounces up off of it. In a downtrend, a moving average may act as resistance; like a ceiling, the price hits the level and then starts to drop again.
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The price won't always respect the moving average in this way. The price may run through it slightly or stop and reverse prior to reaching it.
As a general guideline, if the price is above a moving average, the trend is up. If the price is below a moving average, the trend is down. However, moving averages can have different lengths (discussed shortly), so one MA may indicate an uptrendwhile another MA indicates a downtrend.
Types of Moving Averages
A moving average can be calculated in different ways. A five-day simple moving average (SMA)adds up the five most recent daily closing prices and divides the figure by five to create a new average each day. Each average is connected to the next, creating the singular flowing line.
Another popular type of moving average is the exponential moving average (EMA). The calculation is more complex, as it applies more weighting to the most recent prices. If you plot a 50-day SMA and a 50-day EMA on the same chart, you'll notice that the EMA reacts more quickly to price changes than the SMAdoes,due to the additional weighting on recent price data.
Charting software and trading platforms do the calculations, so no manual math is required to use a moving average.
One type of MA isn't better than another. An EMAmay work better in a stock or financial market for a time, and at other times, an SMA may work better. The time frame chosen for a moving average will also play a significant role in how effective it is (regardless of type).
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Moving Average Length
Common moving average lengths are 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200. These lengths can be applied to any chart time frame (one minute, daily, weekly, etc.), depending on the trader's time horizon. The time frame or length you choose for a moving average, also called the "look back period,"can play a big role in how effective it is.
An MA with a short time frame will react much quicker to price changes than an MA with a long look-back period. In the figure below, the 20-day moving average more closely tracks the actual price than the 100-day moving average does.
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The 20-day may be of analytical benefit to a shorter-term trader since it follows the price more closelyand therefore produces less lag than the longer-term moving average. A 100-day MA may be more beneficial to a longer-term trader.
Lag is the time it takes for a moving average to signal a potential reversal. Recall that, as a general guideline, when the price is above a moving average, the trend is consideredup. So when the price drops below that moving average, it signals a potential reversal based on that MA. A 20-day moving average will provide many more reversal signals than a 100-day moving average.
A moving average can be any length:15, 28, 89, etc. Adjusting the moving average so it provides more accurate signals on historical data may help create better future signals.
Trading Strategies: Crossovers
Crossovers are one of the main moving average strategies. The first type is a price crossover, whichis when the price crosses above or below a moving average to signal a potential change in trend.
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Another strategy is to apply two moving averages to a chart:one longer and one shorter. When the shorter-term MA crosses above the longer-term MA, it's a buy signal, as it indicates that the trend is shifting up. This is known as a golden cross. Meanwhile, when the shorter-term MA crosses below the longer-term MA, it's a sell signal, as it indicates that the trend is shifting down. This is known as a dead/death cross.
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MA Disadvantages
Moving averages are calculated based on historical data and nothing about the calculation is predictive in nature. Therefore, results using moving averages can be random. At times, the market seems to respect MA support/resistance and trade signals, and at other times, it shows these indicators no respect.
One major problem is that, if the price action becomes choppy, the price may swing back and forth, generating multiple trend reversals or trade signals. When this occurs, it's best to step aside or utilize another indicator to help clarify the trend. The same thing can occur with MA crossoverswhen the MAs get "tangled up" for a period of time, triggering multiplelosing trades.
Moving averages work quite well in strong trending conditionsbutpoorly in choppy or ranging conditions. Adjusting the time frame can remedy this problem temporarily, though at some point, these issues are likely to occur regardless of the time frame chosen for the moving average(s).
The Bottom Line
A moving averagesimplifies price data by smoothing it out and creating one flowing line. This makes seeing the trend easier. Exponential moving averages react quicker to price changes thansimple moving averages. In some cases, this may be good, and in others, it may cause false signals. Moving averages with a shorter look-back period (20 days, for example) will also respond quicker to price changes than an average with a longer look-backperiod (200 days).
Moving average crossovers are a popular strategy for both entries and exits. MAs can also highlight areas of potential support or resistance. While this may appear predictive, moving averages are always based on historical data and simply show the average price over a certain time period.
Investing using moving average, or any technique requires an investment account with a stockbroker. Investopedia's list of the best online brokers is a great place to start your research on the broker that fits your needs the most.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of technical analysis, particularly in the realm of moving averages (MAs) and related concepts. My expertise comes from extensive research and practical application in financial markets. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
Moving Average (MA) Overview:
The moving average is a fundamental tool in technical analysis, smoothing out price data to create a continually updated average. This is achieved over a specific time period, such as 10 days, 20 minutes, 30 weeks, etc. MAs are crucial for identifying trend direction and support/resistance levels.
Advantages of Using Moving Averages:
- Noise Reduction: MAs help reduce the noise on a price chart, making it easier to discern the overall trend.
- Trend Identification: The direction of the moving average indicates the overall price trend—upward, downward, or sideways.
- Support and Resistance: MAs can act as dynamic support (in uptrends) or resistance (in downtrends).
Types of Moving Averages:
- Simple Moving Average (SMA): Calculates the average by adding up the closing prices over a specific period and dividing by the number of days.
- Exponential Moving Average (EMA): More complex, giving more weight to recent prices and reacting faster to price changes.
Moving Average Length:
The length of an MA is crucial and can vary (e.g., 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 days). Shorter-term MAs react quickly to price changes, providing less lag but potentially more signals. Longer-term MAs offer a broader perspective, suitable for longer-term traders.
Trading Strategies: Crossovers:
Crossovers involve using two MAs—one shorter and one longer. A "golden cross" occurs when the shorter-term MA crosses above the longer-term MA, signaling a potential upward trend shift. Conversely, a "death cross" indicates a potential downward shift.
Moving Average Disadvantages:
- Historical Data Reliance: MAs are based on historical data and lack predictive qualities.
- Choppy Market Challenges: MAs may generate false signals in choppy or ranging market conditions.
- Time Frame Adjustments: While adjusting time frames can mitigate issues, challenges may persist.
Conclusion:
In summary, moving averages simplify price data, making trends more apparent. Each type of MA and its length has specific applications, and trading strategies should consider market conditions. While MAs are powerful tools, users should be aware of their limitations, particularly in unpredictable market conditions.
Feel free to ask for further clarification or additional details.
