If you were to ask any trader to name an effective market analysis indicator, a significant portion would undoubtedly recall the trusty Stochastic oscillator. This tool could rightfully be dubbed a “veteran” of financial markets, and it continues to enjoy widespread use among traders today.
Remarkably, the Stochastic oscillator has not only endured but also found a place in relatively recent forms of exchanges, including binary options. Most brokers offering their clients the ability to trade digital contracts include the Stochastic Oscillator as one of the preinstalled tools in their trading platform, and Pocket Option is no exception. Their trading platform is rightfully recognized as one of the most feature-rich in the industry.
More about the Scholastic
It’s essential to recognize that the fame of the Stochastic oscillator is well-deserved. This tool was crafted in the mid-20th century. In those days, the choices available to traders were rather limited, practically ensuring the instrument’s popularity.
Even in the contemporary era, Stochastic would undoubtedly attract attention. It stands as one of the premier oscillators for identifying overbought and oversold market conditions, instances where it may already be too late to initiate buying or selling.
Stochastic is typically displayed in a separate window beneath the price chart and comprises a scale with levels and two signal lines.
As for the latter, they represent moving averages that respond to market price fluctuations over a specific period. The faster one is denoted as % K, appearing as a blue moving average, while the slower one is % D, marked in red.
The predefined levels within the indicator hold a crucial significance in trading. Consequently, the presence of lines within the range of 0 to 20 signifies an oversupply in the market. Conversely, the zone between 80 and 100 indicates an excess of demand. The existence of lines within either of these zones serves as a signal of an impending change in the prevailing trend.
How to trade using the Stochastic indicator
From the information presented, it is evident that it is advisable to initiate contracts when the signal lines exit the regions characterized by excess demand or supply. In other words, this occurs when a new trend is emerging and taking shape.
To be more specific, a CALL contract is done when the signal lines cross above level 20 from below. This indicates a favorable moment to take action.
On the other hand, a PUT contract is obtained when the moving averages intersect and descend from above the 80 level.
Occasionally, traders employ a less overt yet effective method. They enter a trade when the fast and slow Stochastic lines intersect, purchasing the contract in the direction in which the blue line crosses the red one.
Recommendations for trading with the Stochastic
You should remember the specific conditions for effectively using Stochastic, which can significantly reduce your risks while enhancing profits.
To begin with, Stochastic tends to perform inadequately in sideways markets. Consequently, it’s advisable to employ the oscillator primarily when a clear trend is present.
Secondly, it’s essential to customize settings for different timeframes. For instance, for timeframes shorter than H4, the recommended values for the fast, slow, and signal lines are 5, 3, and 3, respectively. On the other hand, for timeframes exceeding H4, it’s advisable to adjust the parameters to 14, 5, and 3.
Lastly, Stochastic should be avoided in highly volatile markets like cryptocurrencies. The indicator reacts swiftly to price fluctuations, making it prone to generating false signals.
In conclusion, Stochastic is a valuable tool for traders when used under the right conditions. It can be a powerful asset in identifying entry and exit points in a trending market. However, it’s important to recognize its limitations, including its ineffectiveness in sideways markets and its susceptibility to providing false signals in highly volatile environments, such as the cryptocurrency market. By adhering to these guidelines and adjusting settings based on the timeframe, traders can harness the full potential of the Stochastic oscillator while minimizing risks and maximizing profits.
