How to Use Moving Average in Trading

How to Use Moving Average - Points to Note

The moving average is a lagging indicator, i.e., it provides data on past prices. The longer the moving average period, the greater the lag. A 200-day MA (DMA) will lag much more than a 20-DMA since the former is plotted for the past 200 days. The latter will lag much less since it is plotted using the most recent 20-day data.

The moving average is an entirely customizable indicator. You can opt for a moving average of any period length. Of course, the shorter the MA, the more sensitive it is to price changes.

Here are a few pointers on using the moving average:

• Traders use short-period moving averages and longer-period ones as well.
• It would be best to experiment with multiple periods of the moving average before deciding what works best for you.
• A rising moving average indicates a security price trending upwards; a downward moving average is the opposite.

Using Moving Average To Spot Trending Direction

• When a stock is on an uptrend, its moving average will act as the support (the floor) price.
• In a downtrend, the moving average will form a resistance (ceiling) level, with the stock price likely to go downward.

Moving Average Convergence Divergence

You can also plot two or more MAs for a stock simultaneously to detect crossover, i.e., the point at which one MA intersects the other.

This brings us to the moving average convergence divergence (MACD). The MACD is the difference between a stock’s two EMAs – the 12-period and 26-period EMAs. The result is plotted as the MACD line.

Next comes the MACD signal line – a nine-period EMA of the MACD value. When plotted over the MACD line, it acts as a trigger to buy or sell. It is a buy signal when the MACD crosses above the signal line and a sell signal when it crosses below the signal line.

Crossover Trading Strategies

Here are some key crossovers trading strategies:

• Price Crossover: When the price of a stock crosses above or below the MA, it signals a change in the stock’s price trend.
  
  
• MA Crossover: Two plotted MAs are bound to crossover at various points. The point where the short-term MA crosses above the longer-term MA is a buy signal, signifying a bullish pattern. Conversely, when the shorter-term MA crosses below the longer-term MA, it’s a sell signal, indicating a bearish pattern.
  
  
• 200-day Moving Average Strategy: You plot the 200-day price line and its 200-day MA. If the stock price is above the 200-day MA, it is a buy indicator. If it is below the MA, it’s a sell.

Key Takeaways

• The moving average is a technical indicator to plot future stock price trends.
• In an uptrend, the MA will act as the support price, indicating the stock price might hit the MA but is likely to go upward.
• The MA will be resistant to a downtrend, with the stock price likely to go downwards after hitting it.
• Price crossover happens when the price of a stock crosses above or below the MA, signalling a change in the stock’s price trend.
• In the 200-DMA strategy, if the stock price is above the 200-day MA, it is a buy indicator. If it is below the MA, it’s a sell indicator.

FAQs

What is a moving average?

A moving average is a constantly re-calculated value that, when plotted, provides essential information on a stock’s performance. It is a technical indicator.

How are moving averages used?

Moving averages can depict changes in momentum in a stock’s price. For example, if the price of a stock is above its 200-DMA, it indicates a bullish sentiment on the stock.

What are some examples of moving averages?

The various types of MAs include simple MA, exponential MA, smoothed MA, and linear weighted MA. Simple MAs give equal weightage to all the units in a given period, while exponential MA gives more weightage to the most recent units.