Momentum indicators are technical analysis tools used by traders to measure the speed and strength of price movements. They allow traders to identify when an asset is overbought or oversold and can help them determine entry and exit points for trades. We’ll cover five of the best momentum indicators in this article. But first, a note about types of oscillators… There are two different types of momentum indicators. Trend indicators show the direction of an asset’s price. Volume indicators tell how much of the asset is being traded at any given point.

How to Read Momentum Indicators

Momentum indicators measure the speed and strength of price movements. They are typically displayed in a graph or table format, with values ranging from 0 to 100. A reading above 70, for example, may be considered overbought, while a reading below 30 may be considered oversold. When a momentum indicator moves from one extreme to another in a short period of time, it can indicate a possible trend reversal.

The Five Best Momentum Indicators You Should Know

There are many momentum oscillators in the market and choosing the best momentum indicators for your trading strategy can be a daunting task. However, there are five well-known indicators that have become popular among traders due to their reliability and effectiveness. These include the Relative Strength Index (RSI), Squeeze Momentum Oscillator, MACD, Stochastic Oscillator, and Know Sure Thing (KST). Let’s take a look at each one in detail.

Squeeze Momentum Oscillator (SMO)

The Squeeze Momentum Oscillator (SMO) was developed by John Carter to measure short-term volatility in prices. It combines the Bollinger Bands and Keltner Channels to give a momentum reading. Similar to the RSI below, it compares current prices with previous prices over a specific period of time and gives an indication of when an asset might be ready for a move. The SMO has both upper and lower thresholds which indicate when the price is likely to break out of a range.

The squeeze momentum shows when the momentum increases and decreases. It consolidates near the zero line when there is no volatility and rises when volatility escalates. The chart below shows the SMI indicator applied to the EURUSD chart.

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

The Relative Strength Index (RSI), developed by J. Welles Wilder, is a momentum indicator that compares the current price to previous prices over a specified period of time. The RSI is one of the most widely used momentum indicators. It shows the momentum of an asset’s price and can be used to identify potentially overbought or oversold situations.

The RSI measures the speed and change of price movements of an asset. It oscillates between zero and 100. A move above 70 is said to be an overbought level while a drop below 30 is a sign that the asset has become extremely oversold.

Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD )

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is a trend-following momentum indicator. This indicator uses two moving averages to measure the strength and direction of an asset’s price movement. A crossover between the two lines can be used to signal a possible change in trend direction, while divergences between the lines can indicate potential reversals.

Know Sure Thing (KST)

The Know Sure Thing (KST) is a popular indicator that was created by Martin Pring. It is based on the smoothed rate of change for four different timeframes.

It has two lines and a zero line. A bullish momentum is confirmed when the price moves above the neutral point. The KST measures both long-term and short-term trends in the market, providing traders with insight into possible price movements.

Stochastic Oscillator

The Stochastic Oscillator was developed by George Lane in the 1950s and is used by traders to identify potential overbought or oversold conditions in markets. It compares the closing price of an asset with its recent highs and lows over a specified period of time and can be used to spot potential trend reversals.

The indicator does not follow the price and volume. Instead, it tracks the speed or the momentum of the price. The indicator is useful as it shows the overbought and oversold levels as shown in the USDCAD chart below.

In conclusion, these five momentum indicators are effective tools for day traders looking to gain an edge in their trading. By understanding how each one works and when it might signal a change in trend direction, traders can use them to make informed trading decisions. Each indicator has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important for traders to do their research before deciding which one is best for their strategy.

With the right momentum indicators, day traders can increase the accuracy of their trades and improve their chances of making successful trades. By understanding each one in detail and considering how it might be used in different market conditions, investors can gain an advantage over other participants in the market. With enough experience and practice, these five momentum indicators could become powerful tools in any trader’s arsenal.

 

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