Similar to RSI, the Stochastic Oscillator is a powerful tool for identifying overbought and oversold areas. In addition, it also provides potential reversal trading signals. However, many traders today use Stochastic in a formulaic way without really understanding the nature of this indicator. This article, Crypto Trading will help you master the concept of What is stochastic indicator and how to apply it to optimize profits in Crypto trading.
Learn more about the Stochastic Oscillator indicator
Stochastic Oscillator is a tool that assesses momentum, and trend strength and identifies potential market entry/exit points. To understand the details of this tool, follow the information below.
What is stochastic indicator?
The Stochastic Oscillator is a popular technical analysis tool. It is used to measure the momentum and strength of an asset’s price trend. It compares a security’s current closing price to its price range over a given period of time.
However, to effectively implement these strategies, it is also necessary to understand ” What is sideway “. Sideway is a price divergence when the price does not move in a clear direction but instead moves in a narrow range. Combining the understanding of Stochastic and sideway will help you build smart trading strategies and optimize profits in the Crypto market.
What is the structure of the Stochastic indicator?
The Stochastic indicator compares the closing price to the price range over a given period of time. It is represented by two lines: %K and %D.
- The %K line (blue) is the main oscillator, representing the current price relative to the price range.
- The %D line (orange) is a moving average, calculated using the SMA3 of the %K line, so it lags behind %K.
The default boundaries are 20 (lower boundary) and 80 (upper boundary). When the price crosses the 80 boundary, the market is overbought. When the price crosses the 20 boundary, the market is oversold.
The %K line represents the true value of price action, while the %D line is the SMA of %K. Traders often rely on signals from %K and %D divergence to identify overbought, oversold areas, and reversal signals.
See more: Learn Momentum – The 3 principles of optimal trading
What is the formula for calculating the What is stochastic indicator?
In the crypto market, most trading platforms provide the Stochastic indicator for investors. However, understanding the formula helps investors grasp the reason “why” this indicator works like that.
The Stochastic indicator consists of two lines: %K and %D, which are calculated as follows:
% K = [(C – L14) / (H14 – L14)] x 100 |
- %K: Current value of the Stochastic indicators.
- C: Current closing price.
- L14: Lowest price in the last 14 periods.
- H14: Highest price in the last 14 periods.
%D Line = (Current %K + Previous %K + 2 Previous %K) / 3 |
- The default n period is 14.
- n can be a week, a day, an hour, four hours, five minutes, or any other period of time that the investor chooses to evaluate the price.
In general, a smaller n will make the Stochastic indicator react faster to price changes. However, this can produce unreliable signals in some cases. Conversely, a larger n will make the Stochastic react slower to price changes. But the indicator will be more reliable. Additionally, %K is always faster than %D because %D is a moving average of %K.
Detailed instructions on how to optimize profits with the Stochastic Oscillator indicator
The Stochastic Oscillator indicator is a powerful tool in technical analysis. It helps investors identify potential buying and selling points in the crypto market. To optimize profits, combining the Stochastic Oscillator with other tools and analysis methods is extremely important. Below is a detailed guide on how to optimize profits when using the Stochastic Oscillator indicator.
Stochastic Oscillator combined with RSI indicator
The RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator measures the speed and volatility of an asset’s price. Combining RSI with the Stochastic Oscillator helps determine market entry/exit points more effectively by:
- Trend Confirmation: When both indicators are in the same trend, the current trend has more reliability.
- Identifying Overbought/Oversold Points: Use the RSI and Stochastic Oscillator spreads to identify potential overbought/oversold points. For example, when the RSI is above 70 and the Stochastic Oscillator is above 80, it can be considered an overbought signal.
How to apply RSI combination with What is stochastic indicator?
- Add both RSI and Stochastic Oscillator indicators to the price chart.
- Determine what the current price trend is.
- If RSI and Stochastic Oscillator are in the same trend, the current trend is highly reliable.
- When RSI and Stochastic Oscillator are against the trend, it can be seen as a potential signal for price reversal.
Stochastic Oscillator indicator combined with trendline
A trendline is a line connecting price highs/lows, helping to determine market trends. Combining the Stochastic Oscillator with a trendline helps:
- Identify buy/sell points in the trend: Buy when the price pulls back to the trendline and the Stochastic Oscillator is in oversold territory. Sell when the price breaks the trendline and the Stochastic Oscillator is in overbought territory.
- Trend confirmation: Stochastic Oscillator oscillates in the direction of the trendline, the current trend has high reliability.
How to apply trendline combination with What is stochastic indicator?
- Draw a trendline that matches the current price trend.
- Wait for the price to pull back to the trendline.
- When the Stochastic Oscillator is in oversold territory, consider buying when the price confirms a breakout from the trendline.
- Conversely, when the Stochastic Oscillator is in the overbought zone and the price breaks the trendline, consider selling.
Trading based on Stochastic Oscillator and price divergence
Divergence occurs when the price moves in one direction but the Stochastic Oscillator moves in the opposite direction. Divergence can be a sign of an impending price reversal. There are two types of divergence:
- Bullish Divergence: Price makes a lower low but Stochastic Oscillator makes a higher low.
- Bearish Divergence: Price makes a higher high but Stochastic Oscillator makes a lower high.
How to apply price divergence combination with What is stochastic indicator?
- Determine what the current price trend is.
- Watch for bullish/bearish divergence formation.
- When divergence appears, consider the possibility of a price reversal in the direction of the divergence.
How to combine reversal candlestick patterns with What is stochastic indicator?
Reversal candlestick patterns provide signals of potential trend changes. Combining reversal candlestick patterns with the Stochastic Oscillator helps confirm the reliability of the reversal signal.
How to apply:
- Identify reversal candlestick patterns on price charts.
- Consider the position of the Stochastic Oscillator.
- If the Stochastic Oscillator confirms the reversal signal of the candlestick pattern, the reliability of the signal is higher.
For example:
- Hammer Candlestick Pattern: When the Stochastic Oscillator is in oversold territory, consider buying when the price confirms a breakout from the pattern.
- Shooting Star Candlestick Pattern: When the Stochastic Oscillator is in overbought territory, consider selling when the price confirms a breakout from the pattern.
Combining the Stochastic Oscillator with price patterns
The Stochastic Oscillator can also be used to confirm price patterns such as triangles, flags, or channels. For example:
- Triangle Pattern: When the price fluctuates within a triangle pattern, the Stochastic Oscillator can help identify the direction of a potential breakout.
- Flag Pattern: The Stochastic Oscillator can help identify potential entry/exit points when the price breaks out of a flag pattern.
Combining Stochastic Oscillator and MA moving average
Moving averages (MA) can be used to smooth out the Stochastic Oscillator and reduce false signals. For example:
- Using MA to determine the trend: If the Stochastic Oscillator moves above the MA, it may indicate an uptrend. Conversely, if the Stochastic Oscillator moves below the MA, it may indicate a downtrend.
- Using MA to confirm crossover signals: When the Stochastic Oscillator crosses the MA. Can be considered a stronger signal to buy or sell.
See more: Open an Bybit account – explore the crypto exchange
The notes when using the What is stochastic indicator?
Below are some important tips for investors on how to use the Stochastic indicator effectively.
- Stochastic usually gives more accurate signals on higher time frames. But it is prone to noise in lower time frames. This applies to most other indicators, as lower time frames are often fraught with risk and false signals.
- Although Stochastic can identify short-term trends. However investors should use other tools to confirm the information and avoid risks.
- Stochastic is just a momentum indicator, it should not be used alone to make trading decisions. Investors need to combine it with other tools to ensure effectiveness.
- Be careful with counter-trend trading on low time frames, especially for new investors.
- Don’t rely solely on Stochastic to trade, combine it with other tools to increase accuracy. For example, Arbitrage trade crypto can help optimize profits.
Conclude
The Stochastic indicator plays an important role in predicting price trends and shaping trading decisions. However, to optimize profits, investors need to combine Stochastic with other tools and apply a careful and patient trading strategy. The above article has helped you learn about What is stochastic indicator and how to optimize profits with this tool. Hopefully, you can maximize the potential of this indicator and achieve success in trading. Visit Crypto Trading to learn more useful knowledge about cryptocurrency trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to use Stochastic to maximize profits?
To maximize profits with Stochastic, you need to combine it with other tools like MA or RSI. Use it on larger time frames to reduce noise and identify the main trend. And always apply strict money management principles.
How to distinguish between buy and sell signals from Stochastic and fake signals?
To differentiate, you should confirm the signal from Stochastic with other indicators. And observe whether they adjust to the current market conditions.
How to read Stochastic indicators?
When %K crosses %D from below, it is a buy signal. And when %K crosses %D from above, it is a sell signal. Overbought and oversold zones are usually identified at 80 and 20.